The first of five straight road games didnB次元官网网址檛 go quite as planned.
Sharing a home with the Mann Cup-hosting Victoria Shamrocks and the Kraft Hockeyville exhibition game between the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks have pushed the Victoria Grizzlies onto the road for the entire month of September.
Despite this and a season opening loss to the Cowichan Capitals 3-2, team general manager Jim Swanson said there is reason for hope.
B次元官网网址淚 thought it was a great rivalry game to start for both teams,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 think the edge in that game could have easily gone the other way. We know they have a tough team and we have a tough team and itB次元官网网址檚 going to be a great thing to watch us come together.B次元官网网址�
West Shore resident Cole Pickup opened the scoring in the season opener at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan with a power play marker 2:02 minutes in. However, Cowichan, which boasts 15 returning players in the lineup, volleyed back with two straight from Matthew Hude and Ayden MacDonald to pull ahead.
A second Pickup goal to square it up was not enough as Kade KehoeB次元官网网址檚 short-handed tally late into the third sealed the GrizzliesB次元官网网址� fate.
Despite the loss, Swanson said he liked the teamB次元官网网址檚 resolve for a team with 15 new faces.
B次元官网网址�(ItB次元官网网址檚 great) to be able to get some team bonding in on a road trip early,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚f we get out of this at break even, we know we will be in good shape when we get (home). Having an imbalanced schedule off the top is a blessing in disguise.B次元官网网址�
The Grizzlies next game is Sept. 18 in Nanaimo, before heading to Alberni Valley, and then Chilliwack. Their first home game at The Q Centre is Oct. 1.
B次元官网网址淲e are excited to see the community embrace this team the way they have, it has been a fun buzzB次元官网网址� Oct. 1 is a date for us to introduce so many things we will try and bring a new entertainment level and new excitement to The Q Centre,B次元官网网址� Swanson said. B次元官网网址淲e are really looking forward to the Grizzlies being a rallying point, especially in the West Shore.B次元官网网址�
alim@goldstreamgazette.com
