Game Day: Victoria Vs. Alberni Valley
7: 15 p.m. at Bear Mountain Arena
With a silver medal from the World Junior A Challenge tucked away at home, Nolan DeJong is focusing on his return to the Victoria Grizzlies.
"I'm excited to be back. I've missed these guys, and I'm excited to play again and take on the role I had before I left," said DeJong, who will be in the Grizzlies' lineup tonight at 7: 15 at home against Alberni Valley and tomorrow in Nanaimo.
The 17-year-old was a part of Team Canada West at the recent international tournament, losing the championship final 6-3 to the U.S.
"It was an incredible tournament," DeJong said. "Getting an opportunity to represent your country is always an amazing experience. Silver isn't what we went there for, but it's still a privilege to finish that high."
An accomplishment to build on, considering Team West had four solid provinces to choose from.
"To be that sought after; there are a lot of defencemen in this league who are pretty good, and that showed he's one of the best," said Grizzlies associate coach and assistant general manager Craig Didmon.
"His skills have developed a lot over the last few years. He's continued to get better, and his attitude is really good, and we're glad to have him back to help us out."
The 13-7-0-1 Grizzlies have a tenuous grasp on first place in the Island Division, one point up on the 12-7-0-2 Clippers and two up on the 11-9-0-3 Bulldogs.
Alberni has won three straight, including a 4-2 result over Nanaimo on Wednesday. The Clippers also entertain Langley tonight.
"These games are so important. It's tight in the division, and these games on the Island are important," Didmon said. "Alberni is no slouch, and Nanaimo has been very good the last 10 games. They are both four-point games, and the guys know the importance."
[email protected] Twitter/tc_vicsports
