Conlon to captain Grizzlies’ ship
It’s with no surprise that the Victoria Grizzlies turned to veteran B.C. Hockey League players to form the leadership group for the 2015-16 season, which begins Friday night in Duncan against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
P.J. Conlon, in his second year with the club, will wear the ‘C’ as captain, taking over from the departed Shawn McBride. Cole Pickup, Brayden Gelsinger (acquired in the off-season), Kevin Massy and Cody Van Lierop, who is currently injured, will carry the associate captains’ roles. The four associates will switch off as only three ‘A’s can appear on the ice at one time.
“All guys who have played in the league before,” said Conlon. “All of us have a good understanding of what it takes to win in this league and we’re going to try and lead by example on the ice and off the ice and set a good example for the first-year players.”
“I’m really excited. Obviously, it’s a huge role with all the leaders that have come before me and the strong history of this organization, so it’s a huge honour and I don’t take that lightly,” added the Ontario native, who had six goals and 13 assists in 57 games last season.
The six-foot, 180-pounder added one assist in six playoff games.
“All three 20-year-olds [Conlon, Massy and Gelsinger] have letters and Van Lierop and Pickup as well,” said head coach and general manager Craig Didmon. “Van Lierop was a prep school captain and Cole, this will be his fourth season with his affiliated player time, so he’s ready to lead that way.
“We’ve got to make sure the young squad is focused and ready to go every game and that’s why we named P.J. the captain. He’s a leader and he’s very good at getting the group on task and ready to go,” said Didmon. “That will be an area we need to focus on every night.”
As for Van Lierop, Didmon expects him back soon.
“Hopefully, he’s out just this weekend,” Didmon said of the injured defenceman. “It is an injury we have to be careful with. He’s a big part of the defence. It’s not great that he’s out, but it gives some of those young guys a chance to play in these first games.”