There is no secret that a lot of the Victoria Grizzlies’ successes in 2013-14 will rely, once again, with the Fitzgerald triplets.
Myles, Leo and Gerry together tallied 162 points for the B.C. Hockey League club last season, leaving it in first place in the Island Division and second overall to the Surrey Eagles, who went on to become league champions.
The Port Alberni trio is expected to provide more of the same in their last season of Junior A before moving on to Bemidji State University in Minnesota next summer.
It all starts today at 3:30 p.m. at the Bauer BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack with a date against the Penticton Vees and then Saturday at noon against Salmon Arm in the opening regular-season tournament that launches the 58-game schedule.
“Not surprisingly, the Fitzgeralds were dominant in pre-season and, not expecting that to continue each and every night, but the potential for that exists and they only got better in the off-season,” Grizzlies general manager and head coach Bill Bestwick said of the triplets.
“They’re all healthy, all strong, all one year older and more mature and wanting to prove something in their final season of junior hockey.”
The Grizzlies lost Gerry Fitzgerald due to injury late last season, which hurt them badly down the stretch having to shuffle their lines.
Gerry finished the season with 41 points in 41 games, while Myles led the way with 71 (30 goals and 41 assists) in 52 outings. Leo added 26 goals and 24 points in 52 games.
“He’s real pivotal on the unit, playing between Myles and Leo and when he went down we really noticed the impact of his absence,” Bestwick said of Gerry, who was named an assistant captain along with Leo.
“We said when we first got them in trade that they were a point a game players in this league, in other words, 180 points. I think anything less than that, they would be disapponted.
“They are certainly capable of putting up big numbers, but we truly hope we recruited players in a supporting role who will take the pressure and heat off of them from having to generate every time they step on the ice,” added Bestwick. “I think we have a little more firepower than we did last year and, ideally, they might not have to play as much.”
FORWARDS
The tenacious trio will be supported up front by the likes of new captain Mark Mclellan, David Walchuk, Dante Hahn and Stefan Burzan who all have experience in the BCHL. Locals Cole Pickup and Shawn McBride will also chip in.
“I feel like we’re going to be a huge part of the team this year, leaders out there and we’re going to be the guys wanting others to follow our footsteps,” said Leo ofthe forwards. “And I’m ready to lead, ready to have a good season and go all the way, unlike last year.”
“I like the pressure in every game we have to produce to help our team win,” added Myles. “We’re a big factor, we know that and people will be gunning for us, but we know that, too. We’re all 20 now, so it should be a fun year and big year.”
DEFENCE
This is where fans will be particularly focused this season as Chris Albertini (assistant captain) and Brandon Egli, who was an affilated player last season, are the only ones back.
Bestwick is more than happy with his recruiting, though.
“I really do feel comfortable. Albertini returned in better shape and in mind space. I expect him to be an effective player,” said Bestwick. “Nick Charif has demonstrated early that he’s a real good player.”
Bestwick and associate coach and assistant GM Craig Didmon also added Jacob Kearley, Rory McGurie, Alex Adams and Kevin Massy to the defensive troops.
GOALTENDING
Both are new, but both are local and very well known.
Nic Renyard is the starter and Alec Dillon is a very capable backup.
“It’s a bit of a mystery in that Nic is a veteran, but he hasn’t played regular minutes or pressure minutes,” said Bestwick. “Now he’s going to get the nod and he becomes the guy who has to lead us from the goal line out. From what I’ve seen he is absolutely adequate.
“He’s a No. 1 goalie in our league, no question and we’ll see how good he is right away because he’ll see two good teams right away.
“And Alec Dillon has so much potential and so much future. He’s big and young and he was calm and poised when we were up in Alberni [in pre-season] and tracked pucks real well. I think we have a solid presence — immediately and in the future.”
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