There was something about forward Connor Eddy that caught Craig Didmon’s eye when Eddy was a 17-year-old skating with the Westshore Wolves of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. Three years later, Eddy has rewarded coach and GM Didmon for the faith the Victoria Grizzlies’ mentor had in him as a hometown prospect.
Eddy was named first star of the week in the B.C. Hockey League for his hat trick, including the overtime winner, in the 6-5 victory Saturday night over the Kings in Powell River. Eddy added an assist and has 31 points in 24 games to stand fourth in team scoring and top-20 in the league.
Recruited primarily as a shut-down forward, Eddy has also blossomed into an offensive threat, and is committed to NCAA Div. 1 Northern Michigan.
“He has developed his all-round game,” said Didmon.
“Connor is still a great defensive player and penalty killer, but now he can do both — play solid defensively and remain hard-nosed and also score. Now in his third season, he has the confidence. And we had confidence in turn in him because even at 17 in the VIJHL, he had a great desire to play in the BCHL and be on the Grizzlies.”
Eddy and the Grizzlies (15-14) host the Surrey Eagles (17-14 after beating Powell River 4-0 on Monday) tonight at 7 p.m. in The Q Centre. The Eagles have flown high over the Grizzlies this season and have won all four games between the clubs.
“The Eagles are quick and skilled and we’ve had our troubles against them,” said Didmon.
Meanwhile, goaltender Hobie Hedquist of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs was named BCHL second star of the week and again showed why he has been recruited by the annual NCAA Div. 1 power University of North Dakota. Hedquist recorded his league-leading fourth shutout as the Bulldogs defeated the Cowichan Valley Capitals 4-0. The six-foot-two Minnesota native, ranked by Central Scouting as the No. 23 North American goaltender for the 2022 NHL draft, has won six of his past seven starts with Alberni Valley and eight of his past 10. Hedquist and the Bulldogs (18-9-3) host Nanaimo (18-11) on Wednesday night in Port Alberni.
Forward Tyler Schleppe of Langley was named BCHL third star of the week for his three goals as the Rivermen ripped through the Island with victories in Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
