The Two Alexes sounds like a bad sitcom.
But nobody in the B.C. Hockey League is laughing.
Alex Newhook and Alex Campbell of the Victoria Grizzlies each have seven goals and 17 assists and are top-10 in BCHL scoring and both made the Central Scouting preliminary list for the 2019 NHL draft, with Newhook rated a first-rounder.
But there’s been no play on the names — no Amazing Alexes or Alarming Alexes being bandied about just yet.
“Maybe eventually,” said Alex Campbell, with a chuckle.
The two Alexes prefer just to do their thing on the ice without nickname labels, continuing tonight when the Grizzlies (9-5) visit Nanaimo to take on the Clippers (5-8).
“I had a slow start, the puck was not bouncing our way, and that was frustrating,” said Newhook, whose NCAA committment is to Boston College.
“But we know the production will come if we are patient.”
It has, with sophomore Newhook recording three goals and three assists for six points over the last three games. Campbell has points in nine of his last 10 games and is tied for the league lead in points among rookies. That latter fact could give the Grizzlies back-to-back BCHL rookies of the year, following on Newhook being named not only BCHL top freshman but also the best Canadian Junior A rookie last season.
“Scoring and numbers are not something I worry about. If you have team success, then individual success will come,” said Campbell, who has committed to Clarkson University of the NCAA.
Both Alexes know they are being watched every game by NHL scouts, but shake off that scrutiny.
“I don’t feel it’s added pressure. I just go out and play the game as I always have and don’t really think about it,” said Campbell.
“I still have a lot left to prove, but I’ve got a lot of time to prove it.”
The scouting attention on Campbell, however, is nothing compared to that which follows Newhook.
“It’s a big year, my draft year, and so there’s a bit of pressure,” said Newhook.
“I try not to pay attention to it too much. I focus on what I can control, not on what I can’t control.”
Newhook, a native of St. John’s, N.L., was asked to describe what makes the other Alex so good.
“[Campbell] creates offence. He is fast and skilled with excellent execution,” said Newhook.
“We push each other in practices and games.”
Right back at you, said Campbell, who hails from Montreal.
“[Newhook] is super fast and skilled and is a leader on and off the ice,” said Campbell, of his Alex namesake.
“He sees the ice so well and is a top-end player, for sure.”
The two Alexes, and their Grizzlies teammates, return to The Q Centre on Saturday and Sunday to face Powell River and Surrey.
But it’s Nanaimo on the mind tonight, especially after a weekend in which the Grizzlies lost at home to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before Victoria pulled out an overtime victory against the Bulldogs in Port Alberni where Newhook set up Campbell for the winner.
“We weren’t at our best in our last two games,” said Campbell.
“We know we have to regroup and be ready to go and ready to play our game up in Nanaimo.”
