The Victoria Grizzlies have suffered a major blow in the sa国际传媒 Hockey League stretch drive. Rookie sensation Alex Newhook, who is projected for the first round of the 2019 NHL draft, broke his wrist in Wednesday鈥檚 game against the Cowichan Valley Capitals and will miss the rest of the regular season.
The native of St. John鈥檚, N.L., was second in BCHL scoring with 65 points despite having played five fewer games than leader Jasper Weatherby of the Wenatchee Wild.
鈥淲e鈥檙e at least happy it鈥檚 a clean break with no surgery required,鈥� said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon.
The Grizzlies expect Newhook, who is committed to Boston College of the NCAA for 2019-20, back in time for the playoffs.
Victoria has nine games remaining in the regular season.
鈥淎lex is disappointed he can鈥檛 chase the league scoring title 鈥� but it鈥檚 one of those things that happens in sports,鈥� said Didmon.
鈥淭he main thing is that we expect him healthy for the playoffs.鈥�
The Grizzlies, however, are in a pitched battle for the Island Division championship, and lead the division by three points over the Powell River Kings and Nanaimo Clippers. The Kings hold a game in hand on the Grizzlies while Victoria has a game in hand on Nanaimo.
Grizzlies captain Lucas Clark also has been missing for the last three games, but is expected back next week. Gritty forward Ryan Nolan has missed five games but is expected back tonight, when the Grizzlies host the Island Division bottom-dwelling Capitals at The Q Centre.
The Grizzlies host the Wenatchee Wild on Sunday in a 2 p.m. start at The Q Centre.
cdheensaw@timescolonist
