Lance Black believes that although the Victoria Grizzlies had B次元官网网址渙ne of the most disappointing seasonsB次元官网网址� last year, it was a blessing in disguise.
The B.C. minor hockey team failed to hold onto a single win in their last playoff season. They left the ice after losing four consecutive games to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
B次元官网网址淩ight after we got booted from the competition, the lockdown started to come in,B次元官网网址� said the Grizzlies president. B次元官网网址淲e didnB次元官网网址檛 have to worry about closing our rink because it was already forcibly closed.B次元官网网址�
Fast forward seven months, he believes the team is in a good place to make a comeback. Currently, theyB次元官网网址檙e taking part in the Island Cup, a round robin tournament between the Grizzlies, the Cowichan Valley Capitals, Nanaimo Clippers, Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Powell River Kings.
Each club plays 12 round-robin games, and the semifinals and finals will be held at The Q Centre in Colwood with dates yet to be announced.
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Craig Didmon, Grizzlies GM and head coach has the same high hopes as the team recently finished an extended training camp. The coach also believes the new recruits and veteran players have been able to bond better because of provincial health regulations suggesting they stick to smaller groups.
Didmon pointed out that he thinks the lack of crowds due to the pandemic will actually help the new recruits warm up to playing on the ice without added distractions.
Although, the head coach noted, he missed the moment his team scored recently because there werenB次元官网网址檛 any cheers or loud outbursts from the seats.
B次元官网网址淗aving no fans in the audience, now that money right there is gone,B次元官网网址� said Didmon.
B次元官网网址淥ur owners know that they are taking a loss, but they want to keep moving forward in the same direction as we are and we couldnB次元官网网址檛 be more grateful for their generosity.B次元官网网址�
RELATED: Victoria Grizzlies confirm plans to retire Stanley cup winner Tyler BozakB次元官网网址檚 jersey number
Black said heB次元官网网址檚 thankful for the West Shore Parks and Recreation SocietyB次元官网网址檚 board of directors, who have re-negotiated a new lease after their previous one expired last season. Also, the majority of the sponsorships the Grizzlies received last season are still intact, even though the rink isnB次元官网网址檛 open.
B次元官网网址淥ur team has always invested in charities, hospitals and schools and even though we canB次元官网网址檛 give back right now, they are giving to us,B次元官网网址� said the Grizzlies president.
B次元官网网址淲e have never thought about closing up shop. We want the best for our team to get them scholarships and have the chance to move their careers forward. Not everyone gets to the NHL, but the first step to success is by getting the boys playing again.B次元官网网址�
In its 26th year as a team, heB次元官网网址檚 grateful to see the twinkle in the eyes of his players when they step back onto the ice.
The BCHL regular season is set to begin on Dec. 1.
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