Grizzlies’ Friedmann nets scholarship for 2019-20

Victoria Grizzlies forward T.J. Friedmann finally picked up the NCAA scholarship he was looking for and the B.C. Hockey League club also announced a future commitment with the signing of California native Ryan Fischer.

Friedmann has agreed to a scholarship with the Quinnipiac Bobcats for the 2019-20 season, while Fischer is a 2000-born righthanded defenceman from Anaheim Hills who leads his team and league (Tier 1 Elite Hockey League) in scoring among defencemen, with five goals and 18 assists in 27 games with the Anaheim Jr. Ducks 18U.

“I’m excited to get to join a school like Quinnipiac. They have a great coaching staff with great facilities and a crazy hockey atmosphere,” Friedmann said in a statement.

The six-foot-three, 180-pound forward is tied for third in scoring for the Grizzlies, with 30 points, including 10 goals, in 37 games played.

“I am very happy for T.J.,” said Grizzlies general manager and head coach Craig Didmon.

“He has not only contributed on offence, but is also a very smart defensive centreman as well. With his size and ability and dedication to the game, I’m excited about where T.J.’s career will eventually lead.”

As for Fischer, he is described as a smooth-skating rearguard, much like Jacson Alexander, who has just left the team to join Swift Current of the WHL. Fischer will join the team next season.

“I am very excited and look forward to playing with the Victoria Grizzlies next season. I had a few different teams that I was looking at and I chose Victoria because of the creative and skilled system they play, which fits my style of play,” Fischer said in a statement.

“Ryan is a very skilled, offensive-minded defenceman,” Didmon said. “In my talks with his current coach, August Aitkens, we found out that Ryan works extremely hard on and off the ice and is dedicated to being a professional athlete. We are very happy that he has chosen to play out his junior career with the Grizzlies.”

The Grizzlies get back to action on Tuesday when they entertain the Cowichan Valley Capitals at The Q Centre at 7 p.m.