Written by Mark Payne @hockeypayne
2025/09/16
2025-26 AJHL Season Preview
OLDS GRIZZLYS
In conversation with new Grizzlys Head Coach Tyson Soloski, who expects the Grizzlys to be a competitive group that competes for a playoff spot this season. Soloski led the CIHA U18 AAA program to within a goal of a Circle K Classic Championship last season against the Shattuck St. Mary’s Huskies.
He is joined behind the bench by Dylan Olsen, a former first-round NHL draft pick, and Mitch Visser, a local product from Didsbury who had a great Junior career with the Mountain View Colts.
In describing the group, the Head Coach expects the team to play an aggressive style that takes away time and space away from their opponents. A group that will play with a competitive edge and lots of grit.
On the management side, new Owner/GM Moe Jamal has led a revitalization in the community with a newly renovated training facility and a renewed commitment to change the culture of Olds Grizzlys hockey.
The Grizzlys finished the preseason 4-1-0 with veteran leadership from the likes of Hunter Motley and Braeden Veldhuizen. Along with the scoring touch of Dexter Materi and Sam Giangualano, who spurred the offense as the team played a sound defensive system.
The Grizzlys were also backstopped with great goaltending from Connor Johnson, a Calgary product, Corbin Sanderman, a Three Hills native who played last season in Red Deer, and Sharky Nowek, the Penticton product who was also sharp when called upon in the preseason.
