Grizzlies aim to showcase talent, pick up wins
GAME DAY: VICTORIA VS. PRINCE GEORGE 4 p.m. at Prospera Centre (Chilliwack)
The B.C. Hockey League will once again be under the spotlight this weekend as NCAA and NHL scouts flock to Prospera Centre in Chilliwack for the annual Showcase, providing birddogs the opportunity to evaluate for the future.
The Victoria Grizzlies get their chance this afternoon at 4 against the Prince George Spruce Kings, followed by a Sunday 1 p.m. matinée versus Coquitlam.
Among those likely to be scrutinized more than others are defencemen Dayne Finnson and Carter Berger and forwards Justin Michaelian, T.J. Friedmann and Ethan Nother. Captain Lucas Clark is hoping to take the pro route.
Sixteen-year-olds Alex Newhook and Jacson Alexander have already committed to NCAA schools, but will capture the attention of pro scouts as they evaluate well ahead.
“It’s definitely a weekend where there are a lot of eyes on the players. I just want to make an impression. I want to go somewhere [NCAA wise], but our team needs to succeed this weekend,” said Finnson, who has played just two of the four games due to an early season ankle injury that still isn’t 100 per cent. “We need four points and that’s what we’re going for.”
The talented defenceman has one assist in the two games and hopes to attract some attention this weekend.
Michaelian has a goal and an assist in four games.
“Showcase weekend is big for yourself and the team,” said Michaelian. “You want to go and show schools what you have, but you want to show people how good a team you have as well. I think they [scouts] look for individuality, but they also look for teamwork and the team guys.”
The extra eyes can bring about added pressure.
“It’s always in the back your head, but once you get on the ice I think you go out and play the game and it fades away,” said Michaelian. “Before hand, when you see the scouts in the stands, it puts a little added pressure on, but you really have to play every game like somebody is watching. I think we’ve learned how to deal with it.”
The Grizzlies are 2-2 on the season and have shown inconsistency early in the campaign, and are coming off a 5-2 defeat in Nanaimo. They are yet to play at home, however.
“We definitely need to be more consistent, for sure. We came in to some games where we maybe we’re a little too overconfident. We need to give it our all every game and not take anything for granted,” said Finnson, who is yet to talk to any NCAA schools.
“I try not to think about it, it’s just another two games that we need to be successful in,” he said referring to Showcase weekend. “Hopefully, this weekend we can make something happen. That’s the goal.”
Michaelian has had discussions with a couple of NCAA schools, but nothing is concrete yet.
As for the team results to date, Michaelian preferred not to call it inconsistent.
“I think it’s just been odd,” he offered. “We have a great group of guys on the team with a bunch of skill and strong work ethic. We just have to gel together as a team.
“I don’t think you can walk into this league and be a phenomenal team. It takes time and effort. Right now we’re just getting the hang of things and it will take some time to become a premier team in this league.”