The Olds Grizzlys are still searching for their first win of the brand new Alberta Junior Hockey League season.
The Black & Gold were tied 1-all going to the third period of the regular season opener on Friday in Drayton Valley, but the Thunder would net a pair of power play goals en route to a 4-1 win over Olds. D.V. was 2-4 on the PP, while Olds was 0-4. Connor Johnson made 40 saves, and Rhett Miller scored the first goal of the season for the OGs.
Then on Saturday night, the Grizzlys home opener saw over 500 fans come through the doors at the SportsComplex. Olds was down 4-3 heading after 40 minutes, however once again their opponent would score twice with the man advantage in the third period to pull away. The Camrose Kodiaks would go on to top the Grizzlys 8-4. The Kodiaks went 4-7 with the man advantage, while the Black & Gold were 2-6. Connor Johnson started and stopped 11-14 shots until being replace 11:02 into the game by Sharky Nowek. Nowek kicked out 26 of 31 and he denied AJ Schaff on a penalty shot. Dexter Materi and Sam Giangualano had the PPGs for the home team, while Sean Richards and Ryland Molde also lit the lamp.
Olds continues a four-game homestand on Tuesday at 7pm versus the Canmore Eagles, Friday night at 7 o’clock against Bonnyville, and on Sunday afternoon at 3 when Drayton Valley comes to Town.
96.5 The Ranch spoke with Tyson Soloski, Head Coach of the Olds Grizzlys prior to the home opener.
96.5 The Ranch also had this conversation with the new Head Coach of the Camrose Kodiaks, Geoff Walker.
