The Olds Grizzlys continue to build their roster and identify the key players who will help make their 2024-2025 Alberta Junior Hockey League season a great one.
Grizzlys Head Coach Brad Tobin explains who be the Captain for the Black & Gold this season. Tobin says “new coaching staff so we were obviously just figuring out all the players and that, their personalities. One guy kind of stood out among the rest. Just the with way he goes about his business in the gym, on the ice, off the ice. He has been the voice of the team, moving forward, so we really liked him. We named Connor Seeley our Captain for this season.”
Connor Seeley is a 6 foot 2 forward from West Kelowna, B.C. The 19-year-old discusses how training camp and the preseason have gone for the Grizzlys. He says “it has been great. Since the start, since training camp and since where we are at now it’s been totally different like new guys, new everything and I think we are just ready to go for the start of the season here.”
Seeley shares his thoughts on the new coaching staff. He says “nothing but positivity, they’re just trying to turn the ship around and they’re doing a great job with that and we’ll see how it goes from here. Really excited for what is coming up.”
Seeley had 2 goals and 14 points in 46 games during his rookie year in the AJHL. He added one goal and two points in 4 games against Grande Prairie during the postseason play-in series loss to the Storm last March. Seeley reacted to the news that he will be wearing a ‘C’ on his Grizzlys jersey. He says “it means a lot. We’ve got a good group of guys here and I think it’s the year where we are going to turn it around and be one of the top teams in the league. We started fresh and it’s just going to get better as we go on.”
Seeley was asked, ‘who is someone you look up to as a leader?’ He says “probably my Dad. My Dad has been a good leader to me my whole life. Just shown me the way and without him I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
Mitch Patrick was named the Rookie of the Year during the local AJHL club’s awards banquet last season. The 18-year-old from Airdrie says if he were to choose, Seeley would be the Captain. Patrick says “he (Seeley) is great. He is hard on all of us, keeps us all in line. Makes sure we are all doing the right things. He tells us when we are not doing the right things. Just tries to make us better and make the team better everyday.”
The puck drops to begin the brand new regular season on Friday, September 13th when Olds hosts the Drumheller Dragons at 7pm.
A tail gate party at the SportsComplex ahead of the home opener will include free hot dogs, pop, and entertainment from 4 until 6:30 on Friday.
96.5 CKFM spoke with Connor Seeley following practice on Tuesday, September 10th.