The Annual Black/Gold Game ended in a 7 – 4 victory for Team Black at the Olds Sportsplex on Saturday night. Gold opened the scoring in the first with a goal from Hubbs assisted by Moran and Owsley. Black followed up at the end of the period with a shorthanded marker from Hanger assisted by Bauer.
Black opened the second period fast and furious scoring two goals in the first ten minutes to take a 3 – 1 lead. The first Zedan from Viveiros and the next Keeler from Yetman and Kletke. Gold stormed back in the final ten minutes of the frame to tie the game up 3 – 3 heading into the third period. Hubbs scored his second of the game shorthanded with the assist going to Moran and Paylor notched one late in the period assisted by Perry and Oneschuk. The period featured a spirited bout between veteran Kernahan and Grizzlys hopeful Neumeier.
Black notched one early in the third with a goal from Purvis from Bass only to have Gold respond four minutes later to tie it up 4 – 4 (Owsley from Hubbs and Moran). The ice tilted towards Team Gold’s end for the second half of the third as Black potted three quick goals to solidify the victory 7 – 4. Goals came from Kernahan assisted by Weseen and Kletke, Dunkle assisted by Bass and Clowes, and Keeler from Bauer and Young. The intense was high and the battle for a roster spot was evident as two more fights broke out in the final frame. The first Devlin against Grizzlys Captain Moran and the second De Waal against Oneschuk.
Black goalies Jemieff ended with 12 saves in 13 shots and Dirk ended with 14 saves in 17 shots. Gold goalies Thiessen ended with 26 saves in 29 shots and Storms ended with 15 saves in 19 shots. Total shots were Team Black with 48 and Team Gold with 30. Players of the Game were Team Black Bass and Team Gold Hubbs.
The Grizzlys would like to thank their fans for the tremendous support for the Black/Gold Games. Between the two games, four full bins of food and a cheque for $525 was donated to the Mountain Views Food Bank for admission to the games.
Following the game, more cuts were made as the remaining players prepared for another exhibition game in Brooks Sunday followed up with the final home exhibition Wednesday, August 29 against the Canmore Eagles. Game time is at 7:30pm and admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children.
Regular season begins with Home Opener Weekend Friday, September 7th against the Spruce Grove Saints at 8pm. A tailgate party with be at the Olds Sportsplex beginning at 6pm. Action continues Saturday, September 8th against the Canmore Eagles at 8pm. Season tickets are still available. New for this year are the 10 game flex ticket packages only for $100! Please call the Grizzlys office at 403-556-1121 for details.