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Victoria Grizzlies’ Alex Newhook out for rest of season with broken wrist

The Victoria Grizzlies have suffered a major blow in the B.C. Hockey League stretch drive.
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Alex Newhook, left, could return from a broken wrist in time for the playoffs.

The Victoria Grizzlies have suffered a major blow in the B.C. Hockey League stretch drive. Rookie sensation Alex Newhook, who is projected for the first round of the 2019 NHL draft, broke his wrist in Wednesday’s game against the Cowichan Valley Capitals and will miss the rest of the regular season.

The native of St. John’s, N.L., was second in BCHL scoring with 65 points despite having played five fewer games than leader Jasper Weatherby of the Wenatchee Wild.

“We’re at least happy it’s a clean break with no surgery required,” said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon.

The Grizzlies expect Newhook, who is committed to Boston College of the NCAA for 2019-20, back in time for the playoffs.

Victoria has nine games remaining in the regular season.

“Alex is disappointed he can’t chase the league scoring title … but it’s one of those things that happens in sports,” said Didmon.

“The main thing is that we expect him healthy for the playoffs.”

The Grizzlies, however, are in a pitched battle for the Island Division championship, and lead the division by three points over the Powell River Kings and Nanaimo Clippers. The Kings hold a game in hand on the Grizzlies while Victoria has a game in hand on Nanaimo.

Grizzlies captain Lucas Clark also has been missing for the last three games, but is expected back next week. Gritty forward Ryan Nolan has missed five games but is expected back tonight, when the Grizzlies host the Island Division bottom-dwelling Capitals at The Q Centre.

The Grizzlies host the Wenatchee Wild on Sunday in a 2 p.m. start at The Q Centre.

cdheensaw@timescolonist