Following the Grizzlys opening weekend, the Olds Sportsplex saw 3 straight home games to continue the start of this new season, giving local fans plenty of early chances to watch their team in action.
On Tuesday, the Canmore Eagles were in town for a weekday matchup. Despite being on the receiving end of a 4-9 loss, Grizzlys fans were treated to several bright spots. Riley Pederson made his Grizzlys debut after previously suiting up for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. Rookie goaltender Corbin Sanderman was also given his first AJHL start, stepping into the crease under the bright lights of the Sportsplex, along with Hubert Larose and Brody Martin both finding the back of the net for their first AJHL goals, while Sam Giangualano kept his strong play rolling, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists to pace the attack.
The Bonnyville Pontiacs then visited the Sportsplex for a Friday night matchup. This game featured more fresh faces in the lineup, including Jordin St. Louis, who last played with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. St. Louis wasted little time making an impact, scoring his first junior goal. Fellow newcomer Koray Bozkaya also chipped in with 2 assists in his Grizzlys debut. Returning forward Braeden Veldhuizen added to the momentum, finishing with a 2-assist night of his own for a solid multi-point effort. Despite the encouraging performances, the Grizzlys ultimately couldn’t claw their way to victory against a skilled Pontiacs squad.
Sunday wrapped up the homestand with an afternoon matinee against the Drayton Valley Thunder, in a rematch of the season opener. The Grizzlys came out with energy and urgency, looking to avenge their earlier loss. Recent trade acquisition Ryland Molde continued his strong start to the season by netting his 3rd goal in just 4 games to open the scoring. Veldhuizen followed up with a clutch tally late in the first period to give Olds a 2-0 advantage heading into intermission. The Thunder, however, pushed back hard in the second period, scoring twice to knot things up and setting the stage for a dramatic third. Both teams battled with intensity, hungry to leave the Sportsplex with two points. In the end, it was Jordin St. Louis who played the hero, breaking free on a shorthanded breakaway and burying the game-winner to seal the first win of the season for the Olds Grizzlys.
Between the pipes, Connor Johnson stood tall, earning player of the game honors after making 30 saves on 32 shots to secure his first win of the season. Hardest working player of the game went to Ryland Molde, who not only opened the scoring but also set the tone with his relentless effort across all three periods.
With the first win under their belt, the Grizzlys will now head out on a stretch of road games before returning to the Olds Sportsplex on October 17th, when the Whitecourt Wolverines come to town for the first meeting between the two clubs this season.
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