The Grizzlys departed for a four-game road trip last week after a 4-3 win at home over the Calgary Mustangs.
They rode a three-point performance by sophomore forward Ryley Smith, all recorded in the second period with the Grizzlys.
For those 20 minutes, it looked like Olds would blow Calgary away. They sent waves of odd-man rushes to the Mustangs net, volleys of shots, again and again. Smith was rewarded with two goals and an assist on another, by Landon Gross, the eventual game winner. Smith got the glory -- but the groundwork was laid by those who skated before him.
"As a line, you just kind of want to build on the line before you and keep going," Smith said. "We have a saying that it takes six good solid shifts to score a goal. We just keep pushing them and if it's not your line, it's going to be another one that gets the credit."
The 19-year-old from Huxley appears poised for a breakout season, averaging more than a point per game, playing on a line with Gross and James Gaume. He's second on the team in scoring, behind Gross.
"I definitely learned a lot from last year. I think I've grown a lot as a player, maturity-wise and just knowing the game," he said.
Olds entered the game averaging fewer than three goals scored per contest. Head coach Dana Lattery said they're focusing on defence first. The goals, they will come, he adds.
"I just want them to buy into our team game from that blue-line all the way down to our zone," he said. "I get it, it's not fun to play. When they do, they get rewarded the other side."
The Grizzlys next play at home on Nov. 1 against the Mustangs.
ROSTER MOVES
The Grizzlys sent forward Mitch Visser to the Mountainview Colts in the Junior B HJHL. Lattery said they wanted Visser to get more game experience. The team also traded forward Logan Linnell to Flin Flon in the SJHL for future considerations.
"I definitely learned a lot from last year. I think I've grown a lot as a player, maturity-wise and just knowing the game."RYLEY SMITH
