Above Photo: Grizzly alumni Oliver Auyeung-Ashton in action against Michigan State University
Colwood, BC ~ With October coming to a close, it is the perfect time to review the NCAA scheduling for the last five weekends to see how Victoria Grizzly alumni fared in their first games of the 2025-26 Collegiate season (including November 1st).
Oliver Auyeung-Ashton (G) – Victoria Grizzlies (2022-25), Northern Michigan Wildcats – Freshman (6 GP, 0-5-0 W-L-T, 2.84 GAA, .930 SV%)
It is safe to say that Victoria Grizzlies franchise staple Oliver (Oli) Auyeung-Ashton has left a noticeable mark on his first collegiate hockey appearances. After coming on in relief for his first appearance for the Wildcats, Oli has made four starts since against (17) Ohio State, (15) Colorado College, Augustana University and (1) Michigan State twice. His first start saw him win the CCHA Rookie of the Week with a 45-save performance against the Buckeyes. He holds an astounding .930 save percentage through six appearances.
Tobias Pitka (F) – Victoria Grizzlies (2023-25), Northern Michigan Wildcats – Freshman (10 GP, 3 G, 5 PTS, 6 PIM)
Another Wildcat to catch up with is 2024-25 Grizzlies breakout star Tobias Pitka, who netted his first NCAA goal on the 18th against Colorado College. The Slovakian International was a huge part of the Grizzlies team for the past two years, anchoring the squad down the middle with his size and skill, while now contributing five points (three goals) through his first ten games at Northern Michigan. Tobias has centred the Wildcats’ third line while also getting power-play minutes.
Will Schumacher (F) – Victoria Grizzlies (2025), Mercyhurst Lakers – Freshman (8 GP, 4 G, 4 PTS, 11 PIM)
The big news of the BCHL 2025 trade deadline was the Grizzlies making a big splash by acquiring Will Schumacher from the Vernon Vipers as they made their intent for a deep playoff run known. Schumacher was instrumental for them down the stretch, recording 16 points in 15 playoff games. He hasn’t skipped a beat with Mercyhurst to begin his NCAA career, scoring in two consecutive games during the second weekend of action. The Prior Lake, Minnesota native snagged both of those goals against a very strong Union College program. He followed that up by scoring in two in a row this past weekend as well against Bentley.
Eli Barnett (D) – Victoria Grizzlies (2021-23), New Brunswick Reds (8 GP, 0 G, 4 PTS, 12 PIM)
Former towering Grizzlies captain Eli Barnett decided this summer to take his talents closer to home. The former University of Vermont Catamount is now with the prestigious University of New Brunswick Reds, where he has started the U-Sports season strong. His four points in eight games are noticeable while continuing to play an unapologetic physical style on the back end, which his six-foot-six frame always allows him to do.
Note: Many former Grizzlies play within Ivy League schools, which only began play this past weekend. Those included:
Princeton:
Luc Pelletier, Seamus Latta & Malcolm Green
Dartmouth:
Tim Busconi
Yale:
Tom Molson
Cornell:
Hoyt Stanley, Reegan Hiscock & Chase Pirtle
Other Notable Alumni:
Owen Bohn – Grizzlies 2022-23 – Augustana Vikings – Junior – 5 GP, 1 G, 2 PTS, 0 PIM
Richard Baran – Grizzlies 2023-24 – Arizona State Sun Devils – Freshman – 8 GP, 0 G, 1 PTS, 0 PIM
Ellis Rickwood – Grizzlies 2020-22 – North Dakota Fighting Hawks – Senior – 8 GP, 1 G, 6 PTS, 6 PIM
Connor Eddy – Grizzlies 2019-22 – Massachusetts Lowell Riverhawks – Senior – 8 GP, 1 G, 3 PTS, 10 PIM
Jacksenn Hungle – Grizzlies 2022-25 – Calgary Dinos (U-Sports) – Freshman – 5 GP, 1 G, 2 PTS, 4 PIM
Deven Nagra – Grizzlies 2023-24 – Las Vegas Rebels (NCAA III) – Sophomore – 6 GP, 1 G, 2 PTS, 14 PIM
