The Olds Grizzlys new owners, new coaching staff, and many new players have their first win of the new AJHL season.
The Black & Gold beat Drayton Valley 3-2 on Sunday, September 28th at the Sportsplex.
16-year-old centerman Jordin St. Louis from Airdrie broke a 2-all tie in the third period by scoring a short handed breakaway goal for Olds against the Thunder (1-3-0) that stood up as the game winner. He says “I saw the puck pop out. It was bouncing a lot. I didn’t even know, I got so excited. Tried to skate as hard as I could, and faked the goalie and it worked. So overall, it was a great outcome.” St. Louis also had an assist in the win to register his first ever AJHL multi-point game.
Netminder Connor Johnson (2006) from Calgary backstopped the home team to victory by making 30 saves. He shut the door in the third period on all 13 shots the Thunder sent his way to earn his first win of the new season and fourth of his AJHL career.
Forward Braeden Veldhuizen (2006) from Calgary scored his first goal of the season. He had 9 goals and 21 points in 33 games during his rookie season for Olds. Defenceman Ryland Molde (2007) from Morlach, Saskatchewan is now tied with centerman Sam Giangualano (2006) from Calgary for the team lead in goals after netting his third. Forward Riley Pederson (2007) from Smithers, B.C. had a pair of assists, and blueliner Zee Jamal (2008) from Calgary – who was playing his 7th career Alberta Junior Hockey League regular season game – picked up his first point in the A-J with an assist on St. Louis’ SHG GWG.
The Grizzlys are now 1-4-0 this season. St. Louis says “yeah, first win. Honestly, means everything. The first of many to come, so hopefully we can keep pushing.”
The Black & Gold will travel to Bonnyville on Friday, October 3rd.
96.5 The Ranch collected post-game audio from Jordin St. Louis.
The Ranch also caught up with Hunter Motley, Captain of the Grizzlys, following the team’s first win of the season.
Listen to our conversation with Adam Marcoux, Goaltending Coach of the Olds Grizzlys, from prior to Sunday’s game.
Hear more pre-game audio from The Ranch’s chat with Jeff Truitt, Head Coach and General Manager of the Drayton Valley Thunder.
