They have one of the historic names in sa国际传媒, even Canadian, hockey history.
But this has not been a vintage season in the sa国际传媒 Hockey League for the Trail Smoke Eaters. Trail trails the Interior Division at 7-8-4 but are still within hailing distance in the closely bunched standings.
鈥淭rail is in a tight race in a tight division and they will be ready to go,鈥� warned Victoria head coach and GM Craig Didmon.
The Grizzlies, who lead the Island Division at 12-7-1, meet the Smoke Eaters tonight at The Q Centre before closing out the weekend with a Sunday matin茅e against another team below .500 in the Island Division rivals Nanaimo Clippers (6-12).
鈥淏oth Trail and Nanaimo are coming in with something to prove,鈥� said a wary Didmon.
鈥淭hey would like nothing more than to come into our building and do something. If we take this weekend lightly, we will be in trouble.鈥�
Grizzlies forward Alex Newhook, projected for the first round of the 2019 NHL draft, goes into the weekend one point adrift of the BCHL scoring lead, held by former Victoria Royals forward Ty Westgard of the Surrey Eagles with 31 points.
鈥淲e want to continue creating offence,鈥� said Didmon, whose Grizzlies are the second-highest scoring team in the BCHL.
鈥淲hile, of course, playing solid defence.鈥�
It is Family Weekend, with many of the Grizzlies players鈥� parents in town, which creates issues of its own.
鈥淭he players are excited to see their families,鈥� said Didmon.
鈥淚 reminded them to control what they can control and take care of their jobs and focus on the games.鈥�
ICE CHIPS: Head coach and GM of the Smoke Eaters is Jeff Tambellini, who came out of the BCHL to star in the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines, before playing in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders and home-province Vancouver Canucks.
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