To wrap up a busy and competitive week of main camp, the Olds Grizzlys capped things off with their annual Black & Gold intrasquad game on Friday night. Players were split into two squads and given one final opportunity to impress the coaching staff and management as they fight for a spot on the exhibition roster.
Although the scoreboard tilted heavily in one direction, the pace of play stayed fast and intense right through the full 60 minutes. Fans in attendance at the Olds Sportsplex got their first real taste of Grizzlys hockey this season—and they were treated to everything you could ask for: highlight-reel goals, booming hits, clutch saves, and even a spirited scrap to close things out in the third.
The fireworks were led by veteran forward Hunter Motley, who had himself a memorable night by completing a Gordie Howe hat trick—scoring a goal, adding an assist, and dropping the gloves late in the game to fire up the bench and the crowd. Motley’s effort set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.
After the game, Motley spoke about the competitive edge and hunger around the team:
“We want to change the culture here. We’re not teammates yet, we’re competing against each other for spots, so it’s gonna get chippy,”.
With camp now behind them, the Grizzlys quickly turn their attention to preseason action. They’ll hit the road tonight to face the reigning AJHL champions, the Calgary Canucks, at the Max Bell Centre. The rivalry heats up again Sunday, when the Canucks return the favor and head to Olds for the always-anticipated Battle Of The QE2, puck drop at 5 PM at the Olds Sportsplex.
Skip the line by purchasing tickets for Sunday’s game in Olds online here: https://tickets.oldsgrizzlys.ca/
