After the 2021 Pod Season, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs replaced departing netminder Luke Pearson by signing Hobie Hedquist from the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League. During the 2021-22 season, Hedquist was outstanding. He helped backstop the Bulldogs to first place in the Coastal Conference. However, in […]
Author: Clifford Hofferd
Examining recent Grizzlies alumni at U SPORTS Schools
In a previous article, I wrote about Grizzlies alumni attending NCAA schools after they committed to Division I and Division III schools. While many former Victoria players have committed to the NCAA, many others have committed to Canadian universities. These players are usually the exception instead of the norm simply […]
A look at several top-scoring players for the Victoria Grizzlies
With a new season approaching, the Victoria Grizzlies are preparing their roster. They’ve already recruited several players from across North America. One player that stands out is forward Zakery Anderson. Last season, Anderson played 40 games for the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Kamloops Storm. In those 40 games, Anderson […]
Cowichan Valley Capitals offseason primer
After sneaking into the playoffs, the Cowichan Valley Capitals are building for the upcoming season and have been recruiting players since January. To this point, Cowichan has recruited seven players for 2022-23. They come from U18 programs and prep schools across North America. Six of the new players are forwards […]
The recent history of the Cowichan Valley Capitals
For the Cowichan Valley Capitals, their recent history has been eventful. During the 2019 playoffs, the Capitals pulled off an upset win against the powerhouse Penticton Vees. In 2020, the Caps were ready for a deep playoff run. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic robbed Cowichan Valley of the […]
Powell River Kings offseason primer
The Powell River Kings have their off-season cut out for them. After not qualifying for the playoffs, the Kings need to rebuild their team. Powell River has already started recruiting players for next season and so far, they’ve added three forwards and one defender. These new Kings are filling spots […]
Victoria Grizzlies 2022-23 schedule profile
With the 2022-23 BC Hockey League season fast approaching, the Victoria Grizzlies are looking for a better result after suffering a first-round exit against the Langley Rivermen. In the off-season, Rylan Ferster became the Grizzlies’ new head coach and general manager, replacing Craig Didmon in both roles. With this article, […]
Examining recent Grizzlies alumni at NCAA schools
At the end of the 2021-22 season, eight Victoria Grizzlies players departed the team. Of those eight players, six have NCAA college commitments. Grizzlies team captain Ellis Rickwood committed to Clarkson University while forward Andrew Amousse is off to American International College and forward Kalen Szeto heads to Yale University. […]
New Bulldogs recruits: Brady McIsaac and Callum Tung
Before the end of their post-season run, like many other BC Hockey League clubs, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs started preparing for the 2022-23 season, and a handful of new recruits were posted on the league’s website. Defender Tristan Taylor is coming from the Vancouver NE Chiefs U18 AAA program in […]
The Grizzlies’ den leader: A look at new head coach and general manager Rylan Ferster
The Victoria Grizzlies have replaced Craig Didmon as head coach and general manager with someone familiar to fans in BC’s capital. In fact, he was behind the bench in Victoria once before. Rylan Ferster is the new head coach and general manager of the Victoria Grizzlies. The 53-year-old was the […]