(This article was originally published on Mar. 14, 2021) When looking at Victoria Grizzlies alumni, the Fitzgerald brothers stand out. They stand out for their skill and because they’re unique. The brothers are identical triplets who played for Victoria from 2012-14. Aside from putting up impressive points totals, the […]
Author: Clifford Hofferd
Victoria Grizzlies vs. Alberni Valley Bulldogs: A decade of rivalry
(This article was originally published on Mar. 10, 2021) Aside from the Powell River Kings, the Victoria Grizzlies have developed another close rivalry with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Their rivalry stretches back to when the Bulldogs first arrived in Port Alberni back in 2002 after four seasons in Burnaby. […]
New additions for the Victoria Grizzlies
Since my last Victoria Grizzlies roster update article, there have been several developments. The Grizzlies recruited several more players for the 2021-22 season, they traded for a goaltender and a defenseman, and they’ve also said goodbye to another goalie. The Grizzlies recruited Justin Gibson, Jackson Morehouse, and Hoyt Stanley for next […]
The case for and against 2000-born players returning to the BCHL for 2021-22
(This article was originally published on Feb. 17, 2021) There have been calls on Hockey Canada recently to give an extra year of eligibility for junior hockey players born in 2000. It would apply to junior hockey players in Major Junior, junior A, and junior B hockey leagues across […]
Former Grizzlies’ den members: Jordan Sigalet
(This article was originally published on Feb. 11, 2021) In their 26 year history, the Victoria Grizzlies have only one BC Hockey League championship. One of the backbones of that 2001 championship team was goaltender Jordan Sigalet. Sigalet backstopped the team to a game seven win against the Merritt […]
Revisiting the Henri Schreifels trade
Recently, the Victoria Grizzlies announced that former player Henri Schreifels is rejoining the team. He previously played for the Grizzlies during the 2018-19 season and 2019-20 season. Schreifels committed to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute last year but because of COVID-19, the Engineers men’s hockey team cancelled its season. He rejoins […]
Victoria Grizzlies new recruits
In a season of great uncertainty, the Victoria Grizzlies have seen many changes to their roster. They’ve recruited players like Matthew Wood, Jack Gorton, and Timothy Delay for next season. At the same time, several players have departed to play for other teams. Cody Monds left to join the […]
Former Grizzlies’ den members: Matt Pettinger
In the 25-plus seasons since the Grizzlies joined the BC Hockey League, they’ve produced several famous alumni. For their 25th anniversary in 2019, the Grizz invited alumnus Matt Pettinger to drop the puck at their home opener. Pettinger had a long career in professional hockey and played everywhere from […]
Predecessors of the Victoria Grizzlies
With 25-plus seasons in Greater Victoria, the Grizzlies are the longest, continuously operating junior A team in the southern Vancouver Island region. They are not the first junior A hockey team though, as the region hosted several before the Grizzlies joined the BC Hockey League. As far back as […]
Victoria Grizzlies Island Cup aftermath
The Island Cup has come and gone after the Nanaimo Clippers defeated the Victoria Grizzlies 5-4. In a close matchup, the Clippers captured the inaugural title for a tournament created because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the BCHL waits to begin its regular season, there were some surprises […]