Gillespie, Dowdall and Eiter named Alternate Captains
The Victoria Grizzlies have named forward Owen Warnick Captain for the 2026-27 BCHL season.
Warnick will be joined in the Grizzlies leadership group by Alternate Captains Jackson Gillespie, Michael Dowdall and Levi Eiter.
Warnick returns to Victoria after establishing himself as one of the Grizzlies key players last season, recording 16 goals and 29 assists for 45 points. The Northern Michigan University commit now takes on the responsibility of wearing the “C” as the Grizzlies enter the 2026-27 season.
“Owen has earned the respect of his teammates and our staff through the way he approaches the game every day,” said Grizzlies Head Coach and General Manager Geoff Grimwood. “He competes, he cares about winning, and he understands the standard we want to establish within our dressing room. We’re proud to be putting the ‘C’ on him.”
For Grizzlies President David Michaud, the four-player leadership group represents the identity the organization wants to carry into the new season.
“Leadership isn’t just about who wears a letter on their jersey. It’s about setting the standard every day,” said Michaud. “Owen, Jackson, Michael and Levi each bring something different to our group, but they share the same commitment to their teammates and to this organization. We’re proud to have them leading the Victoria Grizzlies.”
For Warnick, being selected to captain the Grizzlies is an opportunity to take on a larger role with the club.
“It’s a huge honour to be named Captain of the Victoria Grizzlies,” said Warnick. “We have a great group of guys in our room, and I’m proud to have the opportunity to lead alongside Jackson, Michael and Levi. We know what we expect from each other, and we’re excited to get the season going.”
The season kicks off this weekend with a pair of road games in Cowichan and Alberni Valley. The Grizzlies begin their 2026-27 regular-season home schedule on Friday, September 25 at the Q Centre against the Surrey Eagles as part of the Bear Country Kickoff Party.
Tickets and 2026-27 season information are available at VictoriaGrizzlies.com.
