If the newest additions to the Victoria Grizzlies are even as remotely as smooth as their general manager Bill Bestwick's glowing introduction of the Fitzgerald triplets was on Thursday, then local sa国际传媒 Hockey League fans are in for a treat.
"This is another terrific day for us. We bring three players with six years of experience in the sa国际传媒 Hockey League," Bestwick said of Gerry, Myles and Leo Fitzgerald, the Port Alberni triplets who were officially welcomed to the organization.
"About 500 pounds of heart. Skill beyond question," Bestwick continued in describing the three who were acquired from the Prince George Spruce Kings. "Guys that love the game and guys that will be fan favourites."
Three diminutive players - who all stand roughly five-footeight - who have a nose for the net and are unafraid to get from Point A to Point B, despite their size.
"We know that there are many different aspects to building a successful organization and program," said Bestwick. "In today's game, skill, finesse, heart, talent and determination are foundations and criteria we take very seriously.
"We have established today, three of those kids, probably with between 480 and 500 pounds of heart. When we measure what these three players bring individually and collectively, they are three of the best 1993-born players in the entire BCHL.
"We should be extremely proud to have them play for the Grizzlies' crest in Victoria," said Bestwick. "We went out and made a conscientious decision to do everything we can possibly do to bring players with those characteristics to play in Victoria."
He got them in a six-player deal that sent Coltyn Hansen, Cam Lawson, David London and future considerations to Prince George.
The three were equally as delighted to be returning to Victoria, where they experienced their first junior camp back as 15-year-olds before playing Junior B.
"I was really happy when I got the news," said Gerry, who found out his brother Myles was talking to Bestwick on the phone regarding the acquisition while at junior prep camp in Port Alberni. "I was all pumped up so I ran outside in my hockey gear and talked to him.
"Then I went back in and played a game," added Gerry, who was previously helping with coaching at the month-long camp and is now a participant.
"There's always a little bit of pressure coming here," added Gerry. "We just have to fight through it and play our game."
A game that relies on offence since size isn't their greatest asset. The three don't shy away, though, and have missed just 11 games between them in two years in the BCHL, which proves their durability.
"We bring a lot of speed. We're not the biggest guys, but we still can do a little bit of grinding and scoring," said Leo. "I'm happy being here with my brothers, closer to home."
The Grizzlies still aren't done yet as far as acquiring players is concerned. They are expected to add Victoria product Dante Hahn, a 1995-born centre, who has played the last two seasons at Shattuck St. Mary's.
Off the ice, the Grizzlies added Scott McWilliam as a business consultant, bringing his experiences with the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL and Central Scouting. [email protected]
