They are at opposite ends of the spectrum, standings-wise, but tonight’s B.C. Hockey League contest at The Q Centre is big for both the Victoria Grizzlies and Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
While the Grizzlies (34-16-0-4) are looking to nail down top spot in the Island Division, the Bulldogs (19-32-3-0) are trying to hold off the fifth-place Cowichan Valley Capitals, whom they beat 6-2 on Friday night, and keep from being the team that has to cross over to the tough Interior Division for the first round of the playoffs.
The Grizzlies are seven points ahead of the Powell River Kings in the race for first in the Island Division, although the Kings have five regular-season games remaining, and the Grizzlies just four.
“These are great games for us to have to compete in because our opponents have been in a tight playoff race,” said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon, whose club is riding a three-game winning streak.
“The Bulldogs are going to bring their best game so we need to be in playoff mode now, too.”
And the Grizzlies will have to stay focused on the now because less than 24 hours after tonight’s game, the Grizzlies are in Powell River for a key tilt Sunday afternoon against the Kings.
“Right now, our mindset is on Alberni Valley,” said Didmon.
“And after that game we’re jumping on the bus and heading to Comox for the night and at that time we will begin thinking about Powell River.”
All eyes will also will also be on Grizzlies captain Alex Newhook down the stretch. With four games remaining, the 18-year-old who’s expected to go in the first round of this summer’s NHL draft in Vancouver, needs 10 points to reach the 100-point mark. The St. John’s N.L., product has 34 goals and 56 assists for a BCHL-best 90 points, 15 points ahead of second place Ryan Brushett of Powell River.
The last time a Grizzlies player reached the 100-point plateau was in the 2006-07 season when current NHLer Tyler Bozak racked up 111 points playing on a line with some guy named Jamie Benn.
LOOSE PUCKS: Following this weekend’s games, the Grizzlies are off until Friday night when they host the Nanaimo Clippers at The Q Centre.
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