The Olds Grizzlys defeated the Canmore Eagles 2 – 0 at the Olds Sportsplex Wednesday evening in their final home exhibition game. This was the first game the Grizzlys had an experienced line-up dressed as Coach Brett Hopfe had cut down to 30 players following the weekend. Goalies Ethan Jemieff and Garrett Storms shared the shutout stopping all 20 shots faced combined. The Grizzlys finished the game with 35 shots fired at Eagles goalie, Swabb, who rightfully earned Player of the Game honors for Canmore.
Both Grizzlys markers came on the powerplay. The first scored by veteran Tanner Dunkle assisted by Chris Stachiw and Jordan Lajimodiere. The second came in the third period scored by Grizzlys Captain Bart Moran with the assists once again going to Stachiw and Lajimodiere. There was no love loss between these two clubs as the Grizzlys paraded to the penalty box 17 times and the Eagles with 16 penalties, including three spirited fights in the final two frames.
Player of the Game for the Grizzlys went to veteran defenseman Chris Stachiw, who along with partner Lajimodiere, recorded two assists on the night. Following the game, Coach Hopfe trimmed the roster once again as he gets closer to getting down to the illustrious 23 man roster. The Grizzlys head back to the Eagles nest in Canmore this Friday and then finish off their pre-season stretch in Drumheller on Monday leading up to Home Opener Weekend September 7th and 8th.
Reminder to all Grizzlys fans that there will be a BBQ tailgate party before the Home Opener at the Olds Sportsplex from 6pm to 7:30pm on September 7th. Game time that evening will be 8pm against North Division rivals Spruce Grove Saints. Saturday, the 8th will also be an 8pm start against the Canmore Eagles. Season tickets are still available including the new 10 game flex ticket packages for only $100. Please call the Grizzlys office at 403-556-1121 for details.