Two members of the Olds Grizzlys have been recognized by the Alberta Junior Hockey League for their recent sensational performances and a former member of the Black & Gold has also been honoured.
Forward Sam Giangualano (2006) from Calgary is the Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week after recording back-to-back hat tricks against Calgary and Grande Prairie last weekend. He opened the scoring in both games. During Friday’s 5-3 win versus the Canucks, he had an even strength tally, a power play goal which stood up as the game winner, plus an empty netter. His three goal outburst against G.P. on Saturday also had one at even strength, and a PPG. The capper for Giangualano’s hatty that night was the game tying goal as Olds rallied from 5-3 down to get to overtime where the Storm eventually won 6-5. Following the win over the Canucks, goaltender Corbin Sanderman (2007) from Three Hills stated about Sammy G, “I mean he is great. He sees the ice so well and he can play with anybody. So it is an effective player to have on your team and just really good to see him find some success tonight.” Giangualano is the first Grizzlys player this season to hit double digits in goals with 10. 10 goals has him tied for 6th in that category in the AJHL. He is the top point producer for Olds with 19 in 18 games.
Forward Ryder Riedel (2007) from Didsbury is the Inter Pipeline AJHL Rookie of the Week after contributing a goal and three assists during three games. Riedel has at least one point in all four games he has played for Olds this season. He lit the lamp for his first AJHL goal on Wednesday against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. Riedel then had his first multi-point game in the league with a pair of assists in Friday’s win over Calgary. He has at least one point in all four games he has suited up in this season with the Grizzlys.
Meanwhile, former Olds Grizzly Noah Nelson (2005) is the Alberta Ford Dealers AJHL Defensive Player of the Week after posting wins over Grande Prairie on Tuesday and Fort McMurray on Saturday. He also came in relief in Olds and stopped 14 of 14 in just over 35 minutes against the Grizzlys on Friday. Overall for the week, Nelson kicked out 63 of 68.
The Grizzlys (4-12-1-1) will host the Drumheller Dragons (8-8-0-2) on Saturday, November 15th at 7pm and it is Westview Co-op Bike Night. Kids 12 and under get in for free and they will have a chance to win a bike at the 1st intermission. Teens and adults have a chance to win a bike in the 2nd intermission. There will be other prizes from Westview Coop as well. Get tickets online here.
