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The Q Centre has suddenly become a happening place.
A busy building means the Victoria Grizzlies won鈥檛 play their sa国际传媒 Hockey League home opener until Oct. 1. The 2015-16 BCHL schedule, released Friday, shows the Grizzlies opening with five away games.
The Victoria Shamrocks also play in the Q Centre and are a leading contender to host the 2015 Mann Cup national Senior 鈥楢鈥� lacrosse championships in September, scheduled at the home of the western champion.
Also, the nationally-televised Kraft Hockeyville NHL exhibition game between the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks is at the Q on Sept. 21.
What鈥檚 good for the building comes first, say the understanding Grizzlies.
鈥淗opefully, the Shamrocks have a long season,鈥� said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon.
鈥淚 like to start on the road, anyway, because I believe it builds unity and character within a team. With only seven returnees, and a lot of good recruits, the unity aspect is very important this early season.鈥�
Victoria opens over the Malahat on Sept. 11 against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. That鈥檚 followed by more Island derbies Sept. 18-19 in Nanaimo and Port Alberni, respectively.
Then come two games in the Bauer Showcase at Prospera Place in Chilliwack, a tournament-format event that is part of the BCHL regular season, and brings together more than 200 pro and U.S. collegiate NCAA scouts to view prospects all in one place. Victoria will play the host Chillwack Chiefs on Sept. 26 and then face the Prince George Spruce Kings on Sept. 27 in the Fraser Valley jamboree.
The Grizzlies home opener is Oct. 1 against the Coquitlam Express.
The expansion Wenatchee Wild from Washington state make their only visit to the Q Centre on Dec. 12. The Grizzlies are in Wenatchee on Feb. 19.
