The Olds Grizzlys swept their two games at this week’s Alberta Junior Hockey League Showcase in Calgary.
They outscored their opponents by a total of 11 to 1 while picking up 4 points in the standings.
After a 5-zip shutout of the Devon Xtreme on Wednesday, Olds beat the Bonnyville Pontiacs 6-1 on Thursday afternoon at the Max Bell Centre.
19-year-old forward Junshi Hideshima (2005) from Edmonton points out that it was impressive to see new arrival Aidan Fischer (2005) from North Vancouver, B.C. stop 46 of the 47 shots he faces in net during his first two games for the Black & Gold. Hideshima says “for sure feels good. Feels good knowing we have a good goalie – Fischer back there. It gives us some comfort. All the boys were rolling. Smiles all around. It was a good week for sure.”
The 19-year-old Fischer began his career with the Grizzlys by not allowing a goal for a total of 97 minutes and 57 seconds.
Hideshima had a power play goal in both games at the Showcase and overall Olds went a total of 5 for 9 with the man advantage during the two games. He says “yeah we were just focused on moving the puck around a lot, like, getting the opposition moving and opening up lanes in order to create scoring opportunities. I think that was the key and we, obviously, did what we needed to do this week.”
Hideshima had 2 goals and 4 assists in 24 games for the Grizzlys as part of the 2023-2024 season. He has 3 goals – including 2 PPGs – and 2 assists in 6 games already this year. Hideshima says “feels great honestly. My confidence is up and just knowing, like, all the boys have my back and just a good group of guys it makes it fun to play around and play.”
Forward Will Robinson (2004) from Rye, New York scored twice against Bonnyville. Forward Antonio Bevacqua (2006) from Langley, B.C. had a power play goal. Forwards Braeden Veldhuizen (2006) from Calgary and Quinn Metzger (2006) from Cleveland, Ohio also lit the lamp.
The Black & Gold killed off all 8 power play chances their opponents had at the 2024 AJHL Showcase.
The Grizzlys have 3 wins and 3 losses this season. They will try to make it three wins in a row when they hit the ice for their next action on Friday, October 4th in Olds against the Calgary Canucks.
96.5 CKFM caught up with Junshi Hideshima following the win over the Pontiacs.