In the first game since announcing the leadership group for the 2026-2027 season, the Olds Grizzlys (7-5-1) stormed back to win 4-3 over the visiting Whitecourt Wolverines (6-7-0).
Newly minted Captain Brendan Thomas (2006) from Calgary had the primary assist on Cole Kronewitt’s (2007 from Stony Plain) go-ahead goal with just 4:34 remaining in the third period. It was the 4th goal of the season for Kronewitt and it came just 26 seconds after rookie Zaine Rains (2009) from Cochrane had helped the Grizzlys tie the game with a wondergoal. The 6th tally of the season for Rains was not only a miraculous between the legs shot upstairs from the top of the crease but it lit up the bench for Olds and the crowd because it meant the 3-0 lead the Wolverines had built up by the 3:31 mark of the first period was gone. Ty Janz (2007) from Airdrie had the primary assist on the tying goal and Hubert Larose (2007) from Levis, Quebec had the other. Both of them were named Alternate Captains this week.
Austin Garrett (2006) from Ladysmith, B.C. had got the Black & Gold on the board with his first Alberta Junior Hockey League goal in the second period. Ryder Riedel (2007) from Didsbury was set up perfectly on a power play for his 5th of the campaign by Presley Kerner (2007) from Kelowna, B.C. to make it 3-2 early in the third period. You guess it, both of them were announced as Alternate Captains for this season as well.
In the crease, a very resilient and mature performance was put in by 20-year-old goalie Ryan Burroughs (2006) from Burford, Ontario. Whitecourt netted 3 goals on the first 7 shots of the game, but Burroughs put a lid on the scoring for the visitors from there by finishing the game with 21 consecutive saves and ended up stopping 25 of 28 overall. He is now 2-0 this season against the Wolverines. The Grizzlys had lost 17 home games in a row to Whitecourt dating back to November of 2012 prior to Burroughs arrival. Olds had won a game on the road in Whitecourt last season.
For a frightful Halloween night clash, the aptly Orange and Black clad Lloydminster Bobcats (9-4-0) will come trick or treating to the Sportsplex. Puck drop is set for 7pm.
Listen to 96.5 The Ranch’s post-game conversation with Ryan Burroughs.
Hear more post-win audio with Zaine Rains.
Prior to the game, The Ranch spoke with Tyson Soloski, Head Coach of the Olds Grizzlys.
96.5 also talked with Brendan Thomas before he played the first game of his entire hockey career with a ‘C’ on his jersey.
