Host Grizzlies Geared Up For RBC Cup Run After Long Layoff:

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Host Grizzlies geared up for RBC Cup run after long layoff

Published: May 03, 2009

Travis Paterson
Black Press Sports

It’s as simple as not finishing last.
The Victoria Grizzlies play four round-robin games this week as the long-anticipated RBC Cup national Junior A hockey championship hits the ice at Bear Mountain arena.
With the national attention the cup receives, comes a helping of bear-sized buzz.
“As this week came around you could sense the excitement (in the room),” said Grizzlies’ assistant coach Craig Didmon, about the intensity level during practices.
Saturday represents a clean slate for the Grizzlies, the top regular-season team in the B.C. Hockey League. The Grizz were eliminated from the BCHL semifinals on March 31, after losing to the Powell River Kings in seven games.
In an effort to keep mentally sharp, the Grizzlies have held a series of high-intensity practices.
“Two weeks ago, I thought we were sloppy with our practice. Last week, I thought we were looking good, tightening up, and, this week, I thought the guys looked good. They had their game faces on,” said Didmon.
The coach is not concerned with his team’s mental approach, noting it’s business as usual this week with the routine the same as during the regular season.
“Practice all week and play on Saturday – it’s what we’re used to.”
What the Grizzlies are not used to is playing teams from across the country.
“We’ve talked to different scouts and connections and got a take on (our opponents’) style of play,” said Didmon.
“We’ll go into the first two games against (the Humboldt Broncos, Saturday) and Kingston (Voyageurs) without having seen either of them play live,” he said, adding Grizzlies’ staff have watched some of their opponents’ games online.
A couple of wins should be enough to earn a spot in the top-four and a berth in one of the two semifinals next Friday.