The Victoria Grizzlies are ready.

Days away from the start of a brand new year, head coach and general manager Brad Knight said the Colwood-based team is already putting in the work for an opportunity to take another shot at the RBC Cup. It all starts with game one, he said.

B次元官网网址淲e have lots to learn as a group, from the coaching staff right down to the backup goaltender. But you know what, we are excited to get started,B次元官网网址� Knight said. B次元官网网址淭hat is the most important thing, we just want to get a stake in the ground and start our season.B次元官网网址�

Knight, who replaced Craig Didmon who left the team for personal reasons, said despite a high turnover on the squad, the character of the personnel they have gathered will ensure the Grizzlies wonB次元官网网址檛 be lacking for leadership.

B次元官网网址淲e brought in 15 captains or former captains, old, young and new. All of a sudden you have got guys who understand how a dressing room works. Everyone files in,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭here are guys in our room, too, who donB次元官网网址檛 have a letter on their jersey but lead by example B次元官网网址� I think we will be fine.B次元官网网址�

Knight has no predictions for the season other than the Grizzlies will compete every night with a singular focus.

B次元官网网址淲e want to make the playoffs. There is a big dance at the end of the regular season and we just want a ticket so we can attend. We just want a chance. Once youB次元官网网址檙e in the post season (we) have the integrity and the workmanship to be successful.B次元官网网址�

There are a lot of games to go before then. The season kicks off in Chilliwack this weekend with the third annual Bauer BCHL Showcase, a two-game tournament where players perform in front of hundreds of scouts from across the hockey world.

B次元官网网址淓veryone is there B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 an opportunity for us to introduce our league and introduce our roster to the teams and itB次元官网网址檚 a thrill, a great weekend, a real positive,B次元官网网址� Knight said. B次元官网网址淜ids get an opportunity to showcase themselves, get teams excited about their play and they come back jacked. The preseason helps because guys are coming in in better shape. All in all, it is a huge win.B次元官网网址�

Third-year Grizzlies defenceman Mitch Meek, already sporting an inch-long gash along his left cheek, is extremely excited about starting the year and hopes his team surprises a few others en route to the playoffs.

B次元官网网址淲e have a great group of guys, great new coaches,B次元官网网址� he said.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a great atmosphere right now, youB次元官网网址檙e always working hard. ItB次元官网网址檚 a good atmosphere for sure. Our only goal is to win the RBC Cup so that is all we are looking forward to. We are going to surprise some people and we are going to be good this year.B次元官网网址�

Come puck drop, Knight said, the Grizzlies will be ready to put on a good show for the fans with a team he said will be big, fast and loves to score.

B次元官网网址淲e are absolutely jacked B次元官网网址� We have had such a hard camp and the kids have worked so hard. They can hardly wait to come here and play hockey and represent the West Shore.B次元官网网址�

alim@goldstreamgazette.com