Photo credits: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO4qhxJCc1Q/
The third weekend of the Grizzlys’ 2025–26 campaign marked their first fully away stretch, as the team traveled northeast for a back-to-back against the Bonnyville Pontiacs and the Lloydminster Bobcats. It proved to be a weekend of disciplined play, momentum swings, and strong individual performances.
Friday Night – Revenge in Bonnyville
Friday’s matchup in Bonnyville was a quick rematch against the Pontiacs, who had handed Olds a tough 9–4 loss just two games earlier. This time, the Grizzlys came out with a sharper, more disciplined approach. In contrast to the 89 combined penalty minutes in the first meeting, only 10 penalty minutes were handed out, all to Olds.
The Pontiacs jumped out to an early 2–0 lead in the first period, but the Grizzlys clawed back. Late in the second, Sam Giangualano and rookie standout Jordin St. Louis scored back-to-back goals to tie the game heading into the final frame. In the third, Braeden Veldhuizen sealed the win with the game-winning tally, giving him a two-point night.
Goaltender Connor Johnson was a difference-maker, stopping 38 of 40 shots to secure his second victory of the season. His steady performance earned him the Grizzlys’ Player of the Game honor in the hard-fought 3–2 win.
Saturday Night – First Visit to the Cenovus Energy Hub
On Saturday, the Grizzlys traveled to Lloydminster for their first ever matchup inside the brand-new Cenovus Energy Hub. With a packed crowd and plenty of anticipation, the Grizzlys looked to build on the momentum from the night before.
Rookie goaltender Corbin Sanderman made his 3rd start of the season, but the game followed a familiar script, as the Bobcats jumped ahead 2–0 in the opening frame. Once again, Olds responded in the second period, this time with St. Louis scoring twice, both assisted by Veldhuizen, who capped off a four-point weekend. However, the Bobcats regained the lead late in the period, sending Olds into the second intermission trailing.
Early in the third, forward Jordan Wales found the back of the net for his first AJHL goal, tying the game 3–3 and giving the Grizz a spark. But the home side quickly struck back with three unanswered goals, pulling away for a 6–3 victory. Despite the loss, St. Louis was named Player of the Game after continuing his strong start to the season with a two-goal performance.
Looking Ahead
The Grizzlys return to action next weekend with another northern road trip, this time against the Grande Prairie Storm for a two-game series at the Bonnets Energy Centre. Fans can follow along live at FloHockey.
The next Grizzlys home stand kicks off Friday, October 17, when the Whitecourt Wolverines make their first visit of the season to the Olds Sportsplex for National Pasta Day. The excitement continues the following night as Olds hosts the Drayton Valley Thunder in a Thunderstruck Saturday matchup to break their 1–1 season series tie.
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