Cody Van Lierop is itching to get back into the Victoria Grizzlies鈥� lineup and he couldn鈥檛 pick a better time as the team heads to the annual sa国际传媒 Hockey League Showcase.
The 19-year-old defenceman is expected to return from a lower body injury in time to suit up before hundreds of scouts from both the collegiate and National Hockey League level in attendance throughout the weekend at Chilliwack鈥檚 Prospera Centre.
鈥淚鈥檓 going to play for sure. I think I will be cleared and ready to go and I鈥檓 really excited about that. I was sad that I missed the first three games. I really wanted to get the season started,鈥� said Van Lierop, one of just two returning Grizzlies defencemen this season. 鈥淚鈥檝e been skating and working at it the last two weeks, so I鈥檓 ready to go.鈥�
Injured in the pre-season, he鈥檚 had to watch his club endure a 0-3 start to the 2015-16 campaign, which continues with a 7:30 start tonight against Showcase host the Chilliwack Chiefs. Victoria then faces Prince George on Sunday at 1 p.m.
鈥淲e鈥檝e got a lot of young guys,鈥� Van Lierop said of the sluggish start. 鈥淪tarting 0-3, it鈥檚 not that big of a deal. They鈥檙e getting used to the league. We have a talented team and I鈥檓 looking forward to what鈥檚 coming when everyone gets their feet wet. I know we can battle back.鈥�
It鈥檚 that type of desire and confidence that Grizzlies general manager Craig Didmon wants to see in his lineup. Not to mention experience.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 a key part that鈥檚 being missed,鈥� said Didmon. 鈥淗aving him out of the lineup 鈥� he鈥檚 obviously one of our top four defencemen, or top two defencemen, and as far as a veteran coming back, he鈥檚 our calmest presence with the most experience. So I certainly look forward to having him back.鈥�
Newcomer Chuck Bennis is also expected to make his Grizzlies debut on defence against the 1-2-1 Chilliwack Chiefs, who were facing the Penticton Vees late Friday night (score unavailable by press time). To make room for the Wisconsin native, Didmon had to release Cal Walker.
Victoria鈥檚 second opponent at the Bauer-sponsored Showcase, Prince George, brings with it the worst record in the BCHL with an 0-4 log. The Spruce Kings have scored just two goals in four games and allowed 22 against (compared to six for and 10 against for the also winless Grizzlies).
Prince George will play the Trail Smoke Eaters this morning at 10, so the team should be well rested by 1 p.m. Sunday against Victoria, while the Grizzlies will be a little more rushed after the late Saturday game.
鈥淭hat 7:30 game will probably be sold out, which would be a lot of fun,鈥� Van Lierop said of facing the host Chiefs. 鈥淚 love playing away games in a full house. That turnaround will be quick, but we鈥檝e been training hard, so it won鈥檛 affect us.
鈥淚鈥檓 really excited,鈥� added Van Lierop of the Showcase. 鈥淚 remember last year that this weekend was real fun, with all the scouts and everyone being there for one weekend. It was cool to experience and I鈥檓 looking forward to Round 2.鈥�
