Grizzlies, Chiefs reignite rivalry
The Victoria Grizzlies are finally back home for an extended period of time, but they’re not getting too comfortable because first up on their four-game homestand is a very familiar opponent.
The last time the Grizzlies saw the Chilliwack Chiefs (7-8-1-1), the two teams were shaking hands following their B.C. Hockey League semifinal series last spring, in which the Chiefs ended the Grizzlies’ season.
So even if you’re a rookie on the Grizzlies, you know the importance of tonight’s matchup at The Q Centre.
“Oh yeah, the guys know all about Chilliwack,” said Grizzlies 16-year-old first-year winger Alex Newhook, who leads the team in points with 20, helping the club to a 10-6-1-0 record, good for second place in the Island Division.
“They’re always a good organization and after what went on between the teams in last year’s playoffs, the guys are really excited to get to face them again.”
Newhook and the Grizzlies are also excited to be back home for two straight weekends. Victoria has played only five home games, as opposed to 12 road games.
“It’s going to be great to play a few games in a row in our own barn, in front of our own fans, so hopefully we can build some real momentum here,” said Newhook, whose team also plays the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Sunday and then Merritt and Trail next weekend.
Newhook, however, won’t get to help his team against Merritt and Trail as the Newfoundland product, and teammate Jacson Alexander, head north to Dawson Creek and Fort St. John on Monday for the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
“I’m looking forward to going up there and playing for Canada but right now I’m focused on this weekend and getting these four points,” said Newhook, who will suit up alongside Alexander on Team Canada Black for the World U-17 Challenge.
Newhook is coming off a twoassist performance in a victory over the Clippers in Nanaimo on Wednesday, bringing his assist total for the season to 15, which was tied for top spot in the league prior to Friday’s games.
“I’m just trying to create offence any way I can, and right now the guys are doing a great job of putting the puck in the net so we’ll take it.”
LOOSE PUCKS: It doesn’t look like the Grizzlies will get either Justin Michaelian or Cam Thompson back from injury tonight . . . . The Chiefs, who lost 3-0 to Prince George on Friday night, are also gearing up to host the 2018 RBC Cup national Junior A championship tournament May 12-20 at Prospera Centre. They will have an automatic berth as host.