The Victoria Grizzlies have confirmed that they will be retiring Stanley Cup winner Tyler BozakB次元官网网址檚 jersey number at their next game on Friday night.
A special ceremony will be held in honour of the former Grizzlies captain who played for three seasons on the Island.
B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 the ultimate success story for junior hockey players,B次元官网网址� said Lance Black, president of the Grizzlies. B次元官网网址淣ot many kids make it to the NHL, but he proved that itB次元官网网址檚 possible and weB次元官网网址檙e thrilled to be hanging up his jersey.B次元官网网址�
The Saskatchewan-born star played for Victoria for three seasons in his late teens B次元官网网址� 2004 through 2006 under the Salsa name, and 2006 to 2007 under their current Grizzlies title.
In his last season in Victoria, he recorded 128 points (45 goals and 83 assists) and was awarded the Brett Hull Trophy as the British Columbia Hockey LeagueB次元官网网址檚 player as the top scorer.
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Black remembers Bozak as someone who was usually able to avoid physical contact with other players, and not end up against the boards.
B次元官网网址淗e was crafty and slick,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淗e made everyone around him want to be better. He was a leader and an outstanding player that has left a legacy for new kids that come in.B次元官网网址�
Bozak filmed a brief TV promotion for the Grizzlies back when The Q Centre was known as Bear Mountain Arena.
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After leaving Victoria, Bozak attended the University of Denver to play for the Pioneers, which lasted two years. In 2008, he tore his meniscus in his left knee, which resulted in losing a majority of ice time in his final year at Denver. Fortunately, Bozak was a strong pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
After a brief stint with the American Hockey LeagueB次元官网网址檚 (AHL) Toronto Marlies, he debuted with the Leafs in the 2009-2010 season, which lasted nearly a decade. After nine seasons, Bozak left the club as a free agent and signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the St. Louis Blues.
Bozak wonB次元官网网址檛 be at FridayB次元官网网址檚 game but will send in a personal video.
The jersey retirement will take place on Friday, Jan. 10 when the Grizzlies face-off against the Cowichan Capitals at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be
