OLDS — With 14 rookies on the squad, the Olds Grizzlys are experiencing growing pains, but head coach Scott Atkinson says better days are ahead, as the team gets used to junior A hockey.
He made that prediction during the team’s annual awards banquet, held Feb. 18 at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites.
“I just want to say that it’s been a tough go so far, but we’re still expecting to come out on the sunny side of things here,” Atkinson told the crowd.
“I do think that our record (last in the 11-team league with a 10-37-3-3 record for 26 points in 53 games) doesn’t align with the worth of our team and the individual effort that every player’s putting into the program.
“I know that I have been very proud of my association with them and the work ethic they’ve displayed every day in practice and I consider it a great privilege to coach the team, so thanks so very much, fellas.”
Atkinson conceded that last weekend was a tough one for the team.
During a two-game homestand, they were edged 3-2 Friday night by the Camrose Kodiaks, then pummeled 9-1 by the Lloydminster Bobcats on Saturday night.
“We had a rough weekend this weekend but we are very young; we’re the youngest junior team in Canada and we’ve at times played inconsistently,” Atkinson said.
“But I do feel like there’s a lot there and like I said before, the best is yet to come, and I have full confidence in the group.”
Grizzlys president Josh Erdman thanked the players for all their hard work and their willingness to not only develop as hockey players but as contributing members of the community.
“Junior hockey as about much more than wins and losses. It’s the friendships, the proof that quitting is not an option,” Erdman said.
“Involvement in the community is a huge part. The young people in town, when you guys go shake their hands and give them high fives on the way out is a huge thing.
“I still actually get a birthday card – and I’m 50 years old – from a kid from Olds, probably 40 now, but he sends me a card every birthday.”
Erdman advised the players to relish their junior hockey career.
“It’s a finite amount of time,” he said, noting a junior career can last five years or less.
“It’s the best time of your life. I know from experience."
Erdman thanked all those who’ve been involved in and supported the club in one way or another including staff, alumni, billets, volunteers, players and advertisers.
“We’re training hockey players, but we’re also developing young men,” he said.
As part of the festivities, the club held its annual jersey auction. Team Captain Cade Moxham’s jersey fetched more than $1,000.
Defenceman Tait Humphries wowed the crowd by doing a back flip as his jersey was being auctioned off.
