The Olds Midget AA Grizzlys are ready to take another run at the provincial title this year, following up on their second straight semifinal loss last season as the Midget A Mustangs.
“We made some really good strides last year, just as far as winning the league, but the last two years we've kind of finished out of provincials in the semifinals. Obviously this year that's a big goal: we want to win provincials,” said Joel Hunter, the team's coach.
In addition to a new team name – all Olds minor hockey teams are now the Grizzlys – the team has switched leagues from the North Central Minor Hockey Association to the Central Alberta Hockey League, which means the Grizzlys don't know a lot about the calibre of teams they'll be up against, Hunter said.
“If you want to win provincials, you want to win your league first, so that has to be the goal at the start of the year, and as the (season) unfolds, we'll see how much of a reality that is going to be,” he said.
Hunter said the team looks to be competitive again this season, with plenty of speed, a little less size than last season and plenty of skill.
Tiering games were to start this weekend, with the Grizzlys winning 5-2 in Okotoks and 10-1 in Lethbridge on Sunday.
