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Two U15 AAA players have been selected to represent their country for the next 2 years!

Forward Rutger McGroarty and Defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz have both been chosen to play for the United States National Team Development Program for the 2020 and 2021 season. Both players were chosen to play in the Youth Olympic Games this past year and their performance there, added to their outstanding play during the regular season was enough to solidify their spot. 
 

Both players had record years for our program with McGroarty putting up 82 goals and 78 assists for an unbelievable total of 160 points. Brzustewicz, as a defenseman put up equally impressive numbers with 15 goals and 96 assists for a total of 111 points. All done in a season cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic that could have been so much more for the U15 AAA team. 
 

Head Coach Dan Riedel had this to say about the boys: “We are so proud of Hunter and Rutger. Both boys are tremendous hockey players, but more important, they are fantastic people. They were elite on the ice, basically shattering all the OJG scoring records, and the leaders of our locker room. It was a privilege to coach both young men and be a small part of their success. I look forward too watching them in Plymouth next year!”

Congrats Boys!!!!!

Former OJG standout forward Will Lockwood has signed his first NHL contract with the Vancouver Canucks! Playing for the U16 AAA Grizzlies back in 2013-14, Lockwood has gone on to have a tremendous Junior and College Career after his time with the Grizzlies.

Lockwood, a '98 birth year was selected to be apart of the US National Team Development Program after his time with the Grizzlies. While there, he recorded 54 points in the two years representing his country. From there, he was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Michigan where he had a full 4 years there. His last year there, he was named Captain of the team by Coach Mel Pearson, and led the Wolverines to the Big Ten Tournament, where the season was cut short due to Covid-19.

Lockwood was a 3rd Round Pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, and after four years with the Wolverines, Vancouver made the decision that Lockwood was ready to turn pro, and signed him to an entry level contract. Lockwood was an offensive producer at the University of Michigan, recording 37 goals and 48 assists in his time there for a total of 85 points.

"Will is a hard-working, two-way winger with natural scoring ability," said Vancouver GM Jim Benning. "He plays with urgency and creates chances for himself and his teammates."

Congrats Will!!

• OJG Announces 2020-2021 Coaching Staff

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Former OJG standout Josh Norris made his NHL Debut last Saturday night as the 20 year old was called up against the Montreal Canadiens. Originally a San Jose 1st Round Draft Pick, Norris has tore up the American Hockey League this year, scoring 30 goals along with 28 assists in 52 games. He was a selection for the AHL All Star Game, however didn’t compete in the game due to illness. He will be in the running for rookie of the year in the AHL, as he has completely shined as a first year pro. 
 

An OJG alum, Norris played for the Grizzlies his entire youth career before joining the US NTDP, followed by the University of Michigan. President and owner of the Grizzlies Terry Bishop had this to say about Norris:

Former OJG AAA Forward Josh Norris has gotten an invite to the American Hockey League All Star Game after a phenomenal start to his professional hockey career. Drafted by San Jose in the 1st Round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Norris was apart of one of the biggest trades in recent NHL history, as he was involved in the trade that sent Erik Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks.

Coming off of shoulder surgery in his last season at the University of Michigan, Norris was assigned to Ottawa's AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. In getting acquainted with pro hockey, the first 10 games were an adjustment period for Norris, as he didn't get the production offensively that he was looking for. However, since then Norris has hit his stride and hasn't looked back since. Norris leads the American Hockey League in rookie scoring, with 24 goals and 21 assists for a total of 45 points in 44 games. He has a +10 rating to go with it and has been a force offensively for the Senators in recent months and will look to continue his success in the coming months as the Senators make their playoff push!

Congratulations Josh!

Two U15 AAA players have been selected to play in the 2020 Youth Olympic Games, held from January 9-22. Forward Rutger McGroarty and Defensemen Hunter Brustewicz have both been given the honor to play in the prestigious event. McGroarty, a standout forward for the team this year, has put up an astonishing 91 points in 33 games with a +50 rating to go along with it. Brustewicz, as a defenseman is not far behind with 62 points in 35 games, along with a +46 rating. Both players have committed to play college hockey after ther minor careers end. McGroarty will be joining the University of Notre Dame, while Brustewicz will be staying local, committing to play for the University of Michigan.

Coach Dan Riedel had high praise for both players:

"Very proud of both Hunter and Rutger. Both boys are elite talents and extremely high quality young men. For them to make the Youth Olympic team and get a chance to represent their country is a wonderful honor that they both deserve. We are very happy for their families and we hope that they can come home with the Gold!", Riedel said.

Congratulations Boys!!!!

Former U16 AAA standout defenseman Mitch Smith has committed to play for his hometown team, the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL for the 2019-2020 season! Smith, a 5th Round Pick of the Spirit in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection Draft, chose the Spirit over the University of Michigan, where he was verbally committed to play College Hockey. He was a two year veteran of the U16 team, coached by Dan Riedel, putting up a combined 90 points (21 goals, 69 assists) in just over 100 games with the club. The shifty, skilled defenseman will bring his talents to his hometown team starting in the fall of 2019.

"Mitch made the decision that he was ready for the OH and I support him fully. He fits the way the league is played now and the modern day NHL. Mitch has been a fantastic Grizzly and I have zero doubts he'll have a ton of success in Saginaw. Being at home and getting to play in the OHL is something that is very special. We are proud of Mitch and happy for his family," Head Coach Dan Riedel said.

Congratulations to the following players on being selected in the 2019 USHL Draft!

Phase 1:

Austen May - 2nd Round, 25th Overall, Youngstown Phantoms

Vincent Salice - 3rd Round, 39th Overall, Des Moines Buccanneers

Nik Simo - 8th Round, 114th Overall, Cedar Rapids Roughriders

Phase 2: 

Dalton Norris - 4th Round, 50th Overall, Lincoln Stars

Alex Trombley - 9th Round, 129th Overall, Madison Capitals

Jaden Grant - 13th Round, 185th Overall, Lincoln Stars

Nick Nardecchia - 13th Round, 188th Overall, Omaha Lancers

Brayden Stannard - 16th Round, 232nd Overall, Green Bay Gamblers

U16 AAA Forward Zach Filak has committed to Michigan State University to play his college hockey! Filak, an '04 has had a great first half of the season racking up 8 goals and 20 assists as an underager. He also adds a +18 rating to his resume on the year. The 6 foot Filak is a power forward who plays heavy around the net, and is eligible for the 2020 USHL and OHL Drafts. 

"Zach is an elite '04, he plays a heavy, skilled, complete game. The best compliment about Zach is guys want to play on his line, and no matter where you play him he will make an impact. He does all of the little things right and is a tremendous teammate. If he follows the right path and continues to work as hard as he has this year, there is no ceiling on his potential. We are very happy for Zach and his family. MSU got a good one." U16 Head Coach Dan Riedel said.

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies Hockey Club is proud to announce the Second Annual Alumni Game in conjunction with "Joey Strong" is set for Friday, December 21, 2018. The night will kick off with a game featuring our Oakland Kodiaks teams at 6:15, followed by the main event at 6:45. The game will feature talent from all levels that have went through the Grizzly Organization, with players from the AHL, ECHL, NCAA Division 1, USHL, NAHL, BCHL, and the US NTDP Program.

Captains for the event will be former Grizzly and 3rd Round NHL Draft Pick Will Lockwood from the University of Michigan, and long time Grizzly Trevor Bishop of the Connecticut Jr. Rangers. The Grizzlies have moved on over 60 players in the last five years to various Junior and College programs and this is a great way to see some of the talent in action all on one sheet of ice.

The game will cost $5 at the door and the proceeds will be split between the "Joey Strong" Charity and the Ickes family, a family in our organization that is battling sarcoma. Last years alumni game was a huge success and it is expected to be just as successful this year. 

Hope to see everyone there!

After the huge success of last years 1st Annual Charity Game for Movember, the U16 AAA #3 Oakland Jr. Grizzlies and #15 Honeybaked will continue their cross town rivalry on December 17th at 7:15pm for both the St. Jude's and Toys For Tots charities. The game will be played at the home of the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies, Troy Sports Center, and will be on Rink #4 in a game billed as the "Holiday Hockey Game for Hope". 

Toys that are being donated to Toys for Tots will function as tickets for access into the game, and there will be silent auction items and a 50/50 raffle to raise funds for St. Judes.

"We are thrilled to participate in this event. Our Movember game last year was a huge success and we wanted to continue to encourage our players to give back. We came up with the idea for Toys for Tots and it all came together very quickly. It's going to be a great event and we can't wait to participate," U16 AAA Head Coach Dan Riedel said.

U16 AAA Defensemen Austin May has committed to play his college hockey at Providence College!

May, an 03 birth year joined the Grizzlies this year and has made an immediate impact on the already loaded defense core of their team. He has 1 goal and 7 assists this year with a +3 rating. As an '03, he is eligible for this years USHL Draft.

Coach Dan Riedel had this to say about Austin and his game,

"Austin is a modern day Dman, less about being physical and more about having a good skill set, a good brain, and mobility. He's got the puck all the time, he's a quarterback on the ice. He will run a power play at the next level, he has some special hockey sense. We couldn't be happier for him and his family on his commitment. Providence is an elite program and their getting an elite player."

Congratulations Austin!

Photo courtesy of jlvisionphotography

A pair of former OJG players have committed to play their College Hockey at Merrimack College! 99's Joey Cassetti and Mac Welsher have both committed to the Warriors to continue their hockey career. 

Cassetti, originally from California, moved here for his U16 Midget Minor year and was coached by current U16 Head Coach Dan Riedel. He needed a place to stay, and Oakland Jr. Grizzlies Owner and President Terry Bishop opened up his home to Joey and he lived there for the season. The 6'3, 200 pound Cassetti spent last season with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL after playing 2 years for the US NTDP. He had 8 goals and 10 assists for a total of 18 points last year and he will look to continue his success with Waterloo this year.

Welsher, a Grosse Pointe native, was a member of the '99 Bantam Major AAA team back in 2013-2014 making a run to the National Semifinals under Head Coach Dwayne Norris. After spending the next couple years with different programs, Welsher returned to the Grizzlies to play his U18 Midget Major hockey in 2016-2017 and made another trip to the National Championships. He spent last year with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL tallying 7 goals and 6 assists for a 13 point total. He will spend this year with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL.

 "We are really proud of both Joey and Mac. This one is cool because a lot of people in our organization have their finger prints on this. Mr. Bishop billeted Joey, Coach Norris had Mac at a younger age then again with us at Midgets," U16 Head Coach Dan Riedel said, "It's very gratifying to see these guys get what they deserve. Both kids are a perfect fit for Hockey East and Merrimack with their blend of skill and skating ability."

Congrats Joey and Mac!

Standout forward for the OJG U16 AAA team has committed to the University of Michigan to continue his hockey career! Bakanov, a native of Russia, joined the U16s after playing last season with the Cleveland Barons. Bakanov enjoyed a career year, earning 44 goals and 45 assists for a total of 89 points. He also had the highest plus/minus on the team with a +60 rating. As an 02 birth year, he is eligible for this years USHL Draft.

"Andrei is an elite scorer plain and simple. He loves to put the puck in the pack of the net. He's a big body, strong on pucks, elusive, high end skill power forward. Andrei has NHL tools and if he stays on the right path will have a chance at the highest level. He's a hard worker in school, has really made impressive strides with English being his second language. Michigan is getting a world class player and a really great kid. Our staff is thrilled for Andrei and his family on his commitment to Michigan," Head Coach Dan Riedel said. 

Congratulations Andrei!

Picture Courtesy of MiHockey/Michael Caples

Former OJG U16 and U18 AAA forward Nick Granowicz has committed to play his college hockey at the University of Michigan. This comes after almost 2 years of junior hockey, last year with the Topeka Roadrunners of the NAHL, serving as their captain and  this year with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL. Playing for Coach Mike Peruzzi, he was an integral part of their U18 team and their season, making it all the way to the National Semi Finals.

"Words cannot describe how excited and proud the OJG organization is for Grano! At every stop along his journey Nick has embraced his roles with selfless and humility. The University of Michigan is getting a team first player with high charaxter and relentless dedication," Coach Peruzzi said.

President Terry Bishop also had words for Nick, 

"Nick is a tremendous role model for our younger players showing that hard work and dedication can produce. I'm so happy for Nick and his family who was always there for him and his fellow teammates."

Congrats Nick and Go Blue!

    U16 AAA Forward Austen Swankler has committed to play his college hockey at the University of Michigan. Swankler, an '01 is from Pennsylvania and decided to move up to Michigan to play with the U16 Midget Minor team under Head Coach Dan Riedel. The move has seemed to work out very well for Swankler, as he has 40 points in his first 25 games consisting of 21 goals and 19 assists. He is a multi league draft pick, being selected by the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL and the Ottawa 67s in the OHL. 

    "He's an elite offensive player. Truly can create something out of nothing. He's a step ahead of the game all the time. He's worked real hard to improve in all areas and has a chance to play the game for a long time. Congrats to Austen and his family. We're very proud of him becoming a Wolverine!" Head Coach Dan Riedel said.

Congrats Austen!

It was an OJG Reunion at Yost Ice Arena on November 3rd and 4th as Ferris State University visited for a two game series against the University of Michigan. Former OJG players Will Lockwood and Josh Norris represented OJG for the University of Michigan and Coale Norris does the same as he suits up for the Ferris State Bulldogs. Michigan took the first game 7-2 as Lockwod netted a goal and and added an assist, and in Game 2, Coale Norris got his second college goal on a rebound to open the scoring leading his team to a 3-2 Overtime victory against the Wolverines. It was a great experience for all 3 players, but especially for the Norris brothers, they played against each other in junior hockey but they both thought that playing one another at the collegiate level was something special. "It was like, 'Wow,' look at this,We are playing on one of the biggest stages in college hockey and we are both here as freshmen.' It is like a high point in life. It was pretty special. Coale told Mlive.com.

Josh had the same feeling when asked about suiting up across from his brother. "It was a fun experience," he said. "I have had the chance to play against him before in juniors, but a little bit different in college. Had a lot family and friends here too tonight, so it was pretty special to play in front of them."

Congratulations Will, Josh and Coale.

image from MiHockey.com

    Josh Norris has been selected in the First Round of the NHL Draft last week in Chicago. Selected 19th overall, Josh will start his college career next year at the University of Michigan. Playing for the United States National Team Development Program, Josh led the team in points with 61 and was a major factor in the U18 IIHF World Championships, helping his team to a Gold Medal.

    “He’s got a lot of Logan Couture attributes to him, his hockey sense, his compete factor, and he loves big moments,” Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson said about him.

    Josh started his OJG career back in Pee Wees, and led his team to a couple State Championships. The team was coached by his father and current OJG Hockey Director Dwayne Norris. After playing through U16 with OJG he was invited to play for the National Team Development Program, only one of 20 to get the honor. He committed to the University of Michigan and that is where he will play in the 2017-2018 season.

    “I’m very humbled to be apart of the Sharks organization, it’s a dream come true. I’m so thankful that I had a lot of my family and friends at the draft to support me, they mean everything to me.” Norris said.

    Josh is OJG’s first ever First Round NHL Draft pick and the 3rd OJG Alumni to be selected in the NHL Draft behind UofM forward Will Lockwood and Brandon Halverson who is a goaltender in the New York Rangers Farm System.

    “I’m so proud of Josh and his accomplishments. This couldn’t have happened to a better person and better family. His commitment to his family, teammates and friends is what makes him so special. He will be a great role model for younger Grizzlies to look up to for years to come. San Jose got an excellent hockey player and even better person!” OJG President Terry Bishop said.

Congratulations Josh and Good Luck!

The Oakland Jr Grizzlies Midget A team has won the National Championship for the 3rd year in a row. They finished the year with a terrific 56-11-2 record. Only giving up 91 goals in 71 games, they amassed a Goals Against Average of just 1.28, which was good for the #1 Defensive team in Tier 2 hockey. Travelling to Frisco, Texas after a 4th straight State Championship, Head Coach Jason Selleke lead his team to a perfect 6-0 record on their was to the championship, only giving up 4 goals in those 6 games. They hit adversity in the semi final game, as they were down 2-1 with under 4 minutes left. Facing elimination they capitalized on a Power Play with 3 minutes left and then followed up with the go ahead goal with under 2 minutes left to punch their ticket to the finals. They took care of the Chicago Blues 3-0 in the Finals, wrapping up the perfect 6-0 tournament. Head Coach Jason Selleke has been the Head Coach of this group for 4 years now and he had this to say about his group.

"It's pretty special to win one National titlle but to win three you need a lot of great players and a great staff. As always we had a goal at the beginning of the year as all teams do, but few do what they set out to. We did."

Congratulations to all of the Players, Coaches and Parents on an incredible run!

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies are sending four boys teams teams to the USA Hockey National Championships in various cities across the country from April 6-10, 2017. No organization in the state of Michigan is sending more boys teams to compete in Nationals. The U14 Bantam Major AAA team, coached by Doug Bailey, is travelling to Scottsdale, Arizona as the Michigan State Champion, beating Little Caesers in a best of 3 series. They head into the tournament with a 52-9-4 record, ranked #5 in the country. The U15 Midget Minor AAA team, coached by Dwayne Norris, also head into Scottsdale as an at-large bid, compiling a 30-20-2 record, ranked #9 in the country. The U18 Midget Major AAA team, coached by Dan Riedel, will finish off their season in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as an at large bid. Ranked #3 in the country, they bring a 38-13 record into the tournament. Finsihing it off is the #1 Tier 2 Midget A team in the country heading to Frisco, Texas, as they look to defend back-to-back National Championships, coached by Jason Selleke. They have had another tremendous season, with a record of 50-11-4. The Grizzlies have 3 out of 4 National Bound Tier 1 AAA teams ranked in the Top 10 in the country, more than any other organization in Michigan. 

Congratulations to all 4 teams and Good Luck in Nationals!

U18 AAA Defenseman Tony Malinowski has committed to play Division 1 College Hockey at Minnesota State, Mankota. Malinowski, a 99 born Defenseman has posted an impressive line this year of 36 points (8-29-36) and a +34 rating. "Tony is an athletic defender who is starting to grow into his big frame. He is a young man that has a high ceiling because of his poise with the puck and his ability to make plays in transition," U18 AAA Assistant Coach Sean Clark said, "Tony has come a long way in a very short period of time and has a long career ahead of him in this game. We are very excited for Tony and his opportunity to play at Minnesota State. He is an exceptional young man who is very mature for his age." Clark said.

Congratulations Tony and Good Luck!

Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U18 AAA Forward Chase Danol has committed to continue his hockey career at Bowling Green. Danol, a 99 birth year has played in 33 games played this year recording 14 goals along with 28 assists for a total of 42 points. Drafted by Cedar Rapids in the USHL, he made his debut with the Roughriders last year appearing in 2 games. He is the second player from the Midget Major team to commit to the Falcons as teammate Chase Pletzke also did so earlier in the year. "Chase is an elite scorer, plain and simple he can score. More importantly Chase is a great teammate and a great representative of what playing for the Grizzlies is all about," U18 Head Coach Dan Riedel said, "He's bought in, he's worked hard and is very deserving of his scholarship. We couldn't be happier for him and his family."

Congratulations Chase!

U18 OJG AAA forward Chase Pletzke has committed to further his hockey career at Bowling Green University. He announced last week that he would be joining the Facons as soon as the 2018-2019 season. Pletzke, a 2000, has been hindered this year so far by injuries and has only played 5 games to this point. He has 2 goals and 3 assists in 5 games played on the year along with a +4 rating. "Chase has tremendous speed, skill, and an elite compete level. Bowling Green is getting a winning player, simple as that. We are very proud of Chase and happy for his entire family." U18 Head Coach Dan Riedel said. 

Congratulatuions Chase!

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies are excited to announce that Drew DeRidder has committed to the Michigan State Spartans. DeRidder, who plays for the U18 OJG Midget Major AAA team made his selection late last week. DeRidder is no stranger to success, anchoring Team USA's Youth Olympic team to a Gold Medal earlier this year, along with a Five Nations Gold Medal earlier this month. "Drew is elite because his effort, drive and focus are unmatched. He takes no days off," U18 Head Coach Dan Riedel said, "His athleticism, quickness and hockey sense separate him from other goalies at this level. He's really matured in the last year and it's helped him elevate his game even more." 

The Grizzlies would like to extend their congratulations to Drew and wish him good luck for the future!

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies would like to congratulate former player William Lockwood on being selected in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks.  Lockwood was selected 64th overall in the third round. He was a member of the Grizzlies U16 Midget Minor team for the 2013-2014 season.  He spent the past two years with the U.S. National Team Development Program and will play for the University of Michigan next year. 

Lockwood said, “The Grizzlies are the reason I am where I am today. Without the belief they had in me, I wouldn’t have made it to the next level.  They gave me every opportunity in the world and I took advantage of it. I learned all about the game and what it takes to be a good leader and a good teammate from my coaches.”

As one of the captains of the Grizzlies, Lockwood proved himself as a leader both on and off the ice.  During his time with the Grizzlies, he had a team leading nineteen goals and thirty-eight points in 31 games.  “The cool thing was that Coach Peruzzi didn’t just teach me about the game of hockey but also about how to treat your teammates and coaches with respect,” Lockwood said.  “I knew our Grizzlies team was special because everyone on our team just loved going to the rink and being together.

The mutual respect between player and coaches is evident.  “We are so happy for Locks and the strides he has made as a player.  It’s rewarding for our coaching staff and for the Grizzlies organization to see someone who works extremely hard, who is humble, who plays for the guy next to him--to see that kind of player get rewarded is great.  Vancouver is going to love him,” Coach Mike Peruzzi said.

President and Owner of the Oakland Junior Grizzlies Hockey Association, Terry Bishop said, “Will has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to everyone in our organization. He is the epitome of what hard work, desire and a great family can accomplish. He is an incredible role model for our young Grizzlies. Will as a player and the Lockwood family are what hockey is all about and we are blessed to have them in our Grizzly family!”

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies are proud to announce that defensemen Chris Cameron has signed with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The Colts drafted him in the 10th Round, 198th overall in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection Draft. The Lincoln Stars also drafted Cameron in the 3rd Round, 37th Overall in the 2015 USHL Futures Draft. The 6'3 defensemen played in 53 games last year for the U16 AAA Midget Minor team with 6 goals and 25 assists along with a +26 rating.

"He is an athletic physical defender who has the ability to shut down half of the ice," U16 Assistant Coach Sean Clark said, "He has a pro shot fom the point that can be a game changer when provided clean looks to the net. "Chris is also an exceptional young man, who has worked tirelessly at developing his game over the past two years."

Congratulations and Good Luck Chris!

Former U16 AAA Forward Adam Goodsir has been named the North American Hockey League (NAHL) Rookie of the Year. The University of Denver commit tallied 28 goals and 17 assists along with a +19 rating in 59 games with the Wichota Falls Wildcats. He played for Head Coach Dan Riedel and his U16 AAA Midget Minor team during the 2014-2015 season. The Wildcats are scheduled to play in the NAHL South Division Finals starting on April 29th at 7:05 PM

Congratulations Adam!

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16 AA team are National Champions. They defeated the Chesterfield Falcons in Overtime on Monday, April 4  in New Jersey with a goal from Mike Ellis on a feed from Jake Helzer to win the Championship. They completed an incredible 60-8-2 record, winning their last 11 games in a row en route to a National Championship. This is Head Coach Jason Selleke's 2nd straight National Championship, also winning last year with the 00 Bantam AA team. 

"We played top level competition all week. Each game was tougher and tougher as the week went on. Pretty incredible the way it ended, these guys will share this special bond for the rest of their lives. Can't tell you how proud I am of every one of those kids and coaches." Selleke said.

Congratulations to the Players, Staff and Parents on capping off a wonderful season!

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies are excited to announce another Division 1 College Commitment. Tommy Parrottino, a forward for the U18 Midget Major AAA team has committed to Michigan Tech for the 2018-2019 season. Head Coach Mike Peruzzi had the following to say about Tommy,

"The Oakland Junior Grizzlies U18 team congratulates Tommy Parrottino on his commitment to play hockey at Michigan Technological University.  Tommy was among the top goal scorers and point producers in the Tier One Elite Hockey League.  He is a highly skilled player and a tremendous offensive threat every time he touches the ice.   His skating and stick handling abilities are among the best we’ve seen at this level.  We have no doubt that with his dedication and work ethic, he will only improve and be a huge asset to the Huskies.  The Grizzlies organization is incredibly proud of Tommy and look forward to watching his continued progression."

Great job Tommy!

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies Organization is proud to announce another college commitment from a former player. Adam Goodsir, who played with the Grizzlies U16 Midget Minor team for the 2014-2015 season has announced he will play Division 1 College Hockey at Denver University at the start of the 2017-2018 season. Goodsir, who now plays in the North American Hockey League with the Wichita Falls Wildcats has posted 24 goals and 12 assists this year in 39 games which is good for second on the team. "Adam has elite character and work ethic that is the true driving force behind his success," U16 Head Coach Dan Riedel said, "He is what our organization is all about, matching elite players and people to an enviornment that will generate success for them at the next level. We couldn't be happier for Adam."

Congratulations Adam!

Another former Grizzly player made his college commitment earlier this week as Georgy Gorodetsky announced he will be furthering his hockey career at Arizona State University. Currently with the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL, Gorodetsky skated for the U18 Midget Major AAA team under then-Head Coach Dan Riedel. “He’s got an NHL caliber release on his shot and very skilled, very strong on pucks and has great hockey sense,” Riedel said. 

Congratulations to Georgy and we wish him best of luck as he continues his hockey career!

    The Oakland Junior Grizzlies are proud to announce that Brandon Halverson has signed an entry level NHL contract with the New York Rangers. He is the organizations first player to sign an NHL contract. The star goaltender played with the Oakland Junior Grizzlies Midget Major team in 2012 before joining the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds of the OHL. Last season he was chosen as one of America’s top 20 players to represent team USA in the 2015 World Junior Championships.

    "The Grizzlies organization was very fortunate to have a player of Brandon’s caliber come through our program”. Hockey Director Dwayne Norris said. "He is a tremendous talent and competitor with a bright future in front of him.  It's been exciting to watch Brandon develop and see him become an elite player at the next level. We would like to congratulate Brandon on being drafted by the New York Rangers and wish him the very best in his pro career”.  

    He posted an incredible 40-5-2 record last year in the OHL with a 2.63 goals against average and a .913 save percentage with 6 shutouts. He is the first Rangers draft pick in franchise history to earn at least 40 wins in juniors in one season. He also posted a 10-4 record in the playoffs. 

Once again the Grizzlies would like to extend their congratulations out to Brandon and his family

Go Grizzlies