The Victoria Grizzlies are proud to announce two significant additions to the club’s hockey operations department ahead of the 2026-27 BCHL season.
Former NHL defenceman Matt Irwin has been promoted to Assistant Coach, while continuing in his role as the club’s Director of Player Development. The Grizzlies have also added Victoria native and former professional standout Greg Scott as Player Development & Skills Coach.
Together, these moves strengthen the coaching staff led by Head Coach & General Manager Geoff Grimwood and Associate Head Coach Garry Nunn, adding an exceptional level of experience and player development expertise behind the bench.
Irwin joined the Grizzlies before the 2025-26 season and quickly established himself as a trusted mentor for the club’s players. His work in player development had an immediate impact throughout the season, earning the respect of both players and staff. In his expanded role, Irwin will now work behind the bench while continuing to oversee the organization’s player development initiatives.
Scott returns home to Victoria following an outstanding professional career spanning nearly two decades. After starring in the WHL, he went on to play professionally in the AHL, KHL and Swedish Hockey League. As Player Development & Skills Coach, Scott will focus on individual skill development while working closely alongside the coaching staff throughout the season.
For Grizzlies President David Michaud, the additions reflect the organization’s commitment to giving its players every opportunity to succeed.
“One of our priorities has always been surrounding our players with exceptional people, and I truly believe we’ve quietly assembled one of the deepest coaching staffs in the BCHL,” said Grizzlies President David Michaud. “Matt has already proven the impact he can have on our players, and expanding his role behind the bench was a natural next step. Adding someone with Greg’s professional experience and passion for teaching only makes us stronger. We’re giving our players access to an incredible amount of hockey knowledge every single day.”
Michaud also credited Grimwood for building the hockey operations group that will lead the Grizzlies into the 2026-27 season.
“Geoff deserves a tremendous amount of credit for assembling this staff. He’s built a group that shares a common vision for developing players, competing for championships and creating a first-class culture. We have complete confidence in Geoff’s leadership, and we’re excited about what this staff can accomplish together.”
With Grimwood leading the hockey operations department, Nunn stepping into the Associate Head Coach role, Irwin assuming Assistant Coach duties while continuing to direct player development, and Scott joining as Player Development & Skills Coach, the Grizzlies believe they have assembled one of the strongest coaching groups in junior hockey.
The Victoria Grizzlies home opener for the 2026-27 BCHL season is on Friday, September 25, when they welcome the Surrey Eagles to The Q Centre.
