DIDSBURY - The play of first-string netminder Chance Griffith has been absolutely key to the success of the Mountain View Colts so far this 2022-23 season, says head coach Dan Visser.
“Chance is a big part of our success,” said Visser, who is in his first year as the team’s bench boss. “I can rely on him to make the big saves when needed. In order for the team to stay on top, Chance has to be and will be our difference maker.”
Now in his third year with the Colts, Griffith sports a 13-5 record in 2022-23. The team is currently tied for first place in the north division with Sylvan Lake.
In an Albertan interview before the Colt’s Dec. 30 game against the Red Deer Vipers, Griffith credited the play of his teammates, both forwards and defencemen, for his success so far.
“We’ve been very competitive this season,” he said. “A couple times we’ve been up and down, but we are playing very well as a team right now.”
In the last six games Griffith has stopped 253 shots. Facing a lot of shots every game doesn’t phase Griffith in the least, he said.
“I like to stay in the action,” he said. “I think I’m always better when I see more shots.”
Originally from Crossfield, the six-foot, two-inches tall, 165-pound Griffith is 21 years of age and in his last year with the Colts.
His minor hockey career has included stops in Crossfield, Airdrie, Fernie, B.C. in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, and Carrot River, Saskatchewan in the Prairie Junior Hockey League.
He joined the Colts in the COVID-19 shortened 2020-21 season. In 2021-22 he finished with a winning overall record of 18-7 as the Colt’s first-string netminder.
Griffith says he developed a great working relationship with Colts head coach Visser, both last year when Visser was assistant coach and this year as the top man.
With the Colts’ season entering its second half, Griffith says he is confident the squad will remain a force to be reckoned with.
“We are hopefully going to be make a good playoff run,” he said.
Asked if he has a goalie he models his play after Griffith quickly names Carey Price, longtime Montreal Canadiens netminder, a Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy winner.
“He always ties to keep the team in it to win it, and I do that too,” he said. “I’m there to play hard every game.”
With 2022-23 being his last year in the Heritage Junior B Hockey League, Griffith says he's undecided right now on his future hockey plans. Outside hockey, he is currently an apprentice welder.
With the Colts in a good position to make the playoffs, coach Visser says the team will continue to rely on Griffith going forward.
“He is an exceptional goalie and is top in the league. I’m privileged as a coach to have such a player we can rely on most nights,” said Visser.
