Grizzlies Ownership Committed

Vancouver Island Sports and Entertainment Ltd., a locally-owned company created to invest in sports teams and related activities, is the new majority owner of the Victoria Grizzlies Junior A Hockey Club.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to become an owner of this great hockey franchise with its long history of success in the community,” said Ron Walchuk, President of VISE.

“Our focus is all about being a strong partner in the community, building a winning team and pursuing championships.

”VISE and the Grizzlies existing minority owners are committed to putting the best hockey operations and management team in place to create the finest Junior A program in BC for players to develop their skills.

“This is an investment in the future of the Grizzlies and Junior A hockey in Victoria. Together with our business partners and supporters, we are going to deliver a great hockey experience for young players and our fans,” said Walchuk.

The ownership change will be presented to the BCHL Board of Governors at the next available opportunity, where it is expected to be approved.

“This is good news for the BCHL and for Junior A hockey in Victoria in particular,” said BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale.

“I met with Ron Walchuk as things unfolded and VISE has kept me well informed throughout the transition process and the Board of Governors looks forward to dealing with the change of ownership request as quickly as possible.”

The Victoria Grizzlies will make a number of important announcements over the coming weeks regarding the franchise’s pursuit of the 2013 Fred Page Cup.
New Coach/GM

Two-time BCHL Coach of the Year Bill Bestwick as their new Head Coach and General Manager. Bestwick comes to Victoria following a successful 12-year career as coach and GM of the BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers.

He led the Clippers to two BCHL Fred Page Cups in 2004 and 2007.

Bestwick has notched over 600 career wins and was named BCHL All Star Coach five times.

He has also worked in senior management positions in hockey operations and development.

“A priority for ownership was to create stability, structure and a positive environment for players and staff, Bill is the complete package.

Bill is a great hockey strategist, he has a passion for developing young players and the proven business smarts to run a successful hockey operation,” said Ron Walchuk, President of Vancouver Island Sports and Entertainment, majority owners of the Grizzlies.

“We are in period of growth for the franchise and Bill has the skills and experience to help us create a great product on and off the ice,” added Walchuk.