The Olds Grizzlys finished last week with two wins and a loss in Alberta Junior Hockey League play.
The two wins came at the league's annual showcase weekend held in Spruce Grove, 7-4 on Friday against the Canmore Eagles and an overtime victory, 3-2, against the Sherwood Park Crusaders.
Brandon Clowes was the star of the showcase for the Grizzlys, potting the overtime winner against Sherwood Park and four goals against the Eagles the following day.
“We kind of expect that from our top line to be able to put the puck in the net. (Overall), it was a solid team effort there at the showcase weekend,” said Kevin Willison, Grizzlys head coach.
Last Tuesday, the Grizzlys ran into former Didsbury native Brayden Hopfe, who steered aside all 33 shots he faced, as the Camrose Kodiaks defeated the Grizzlys 2-0 at the Olds Sports Complex.
Willison said the annual showcase weekend was an excellent opportunity for all players in the league to show their talents, as over 100 scouts from the NHL, National Collegiate Athletic Association in the U.S. and Canadian Interuniversity Sport were there to evaluate talent.
Willison said while the scouts would be there to evaluate overall talent, they also try to find players that would work well within their individual program.
“(Scouts) have to do their homework and their depth chart, and age has a lot to do with it. Especially NCAA and the college route, (scouts) have to be able to fill in players that are graduating from their program. When they identify a young kid that has extremely good talent, then they will certainly try and squeeze him in early,” he said.
"(Overall), it was a solid team effort there at the showcase weekend."Kevin Willison, head coach, Olds Grizzlys
