Arlington Heights, Illinois, is best known for its racetrack, home of the storied Arlington Million of Breeders' Cup fame, which some horse racing enthusiasts say is among the most thrilling two minutes of sports.
Situated 40 kilometres northwest of Chicago, it's also the birthplace of Alex Grupe, a six-foot-three, 190-pound right-winger looking to earn a spot on the Victoria Grizzlies' roster.
Hardly considered a thoroughbred (in true Arlington fashion), the Grizzlies are hoping he can be somewhat of a stud, scoring wise, as they look for help up front on a lineup that does not feature a stable of returning scoring.
Grupe was in the rookieladen lineup on Friday night as the Grizzlies and Cowichan Valley Capitals finished up in a 4-4 tie in the first sa国际传媒 Hockey League pre-season game for both teams at Juan de Fuca Arena.
The BCHL is not a new track to Grupe, who had four goals and eight assists in 15 games with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs last season.
He was a main staple with the Campbell River Storm of the VIJHL where he had 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points in 36 games.
On Friday, the imposing forward appeared to be a poor man's version of Detroit Red Wings goalmouth pest Tomas Holmstrom. He finished with an assist, but at times struggled with the pace.
"He's got to bring a little more speed," said Grizzlies associate coach Craig Didmon. "He has to get a little more involved in the defence and the breakout.
The game was a little quick for him, he has to adjust, but he's put up some big numbers in the past and we'll see what he can do in the next one.
"I liked the way he had his heels in the crease. He was getting to loose pucks and getting out front. He's certainly a big boy and we need some size, but he's going to have to play better to take a spot."
Grupe had a scoring chance late in the first period, but failed to cash in. He did create some havoc out front and along the walls.
"I'm going to be that power-forward type; seeing me a lot in front of the net," said Grupe. "I just want to get pucks deep, get to the front of the net and camp there on the power plays."
However, it was Jordan Levesque, Jamie Waddington and Tyler Mueller who staked the Capitals to a 3-0 lead early in the second before Daniel Nachbaur, Justin Rai and Shawn McBride tied it by 12: 30 of the second for Victoria.
Waddington put the Caps back up 4-3 at 13: 12 of the third period, but Justin Coachman knuckled one in at 15: 04 to tie it.
Overall, the Grizzlies' best players may have been their youngest ones as McBride (1995), Cole Pickup (1996) and Mitch Meek (1996) all looked very smooth.
"Those are three guys who really worked hard in the game. They showed they can play at this level," said Didmon.
Michael Pessendorfer started in goal for Victoria and allowed three goals, while Sammy Bernard came in to mop up. Alex Orth started for the Capitals and surrendered two before Steven Heslop relieved him.
IN THE DEN: The Grizzlies will face the Nanaimo Clippers in their second exhibition game on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Sooke ... Correction to Friday's story that appeared in the sa国际传媒. Dante Hahn is the son of Phil and Zoi Hahn. [email protected] Twitter.com/tc_vicsports
