Saturday, May 22, 2010

Grizzlies add one of B.C.'s top prospects in MML star Evan Richardson

Press Release

Victoria Grizzlies' head coach Vic Gervais doesn't know exactly when hotshot recruit Evan Richardson will begin to leave his mark on the British Columbia Hockey League, but one thing is for certain.

"Even as a 16-year old, it won't take him long," Gervais predicts. "I think he's going to be an impact player for us this season."

Richardson has committed to join the Grizzlies after leading B.C.'s Major Midget League in scoring as a 15-year old with 73 points -- 10 ahead of his closest competitor. He also enjoyed immediate success upon his making his BCHL debut, scoring twice in just his second game after signing on as an associate player with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

But in this instance, it's clear that where Richardson is going is far more important than where he's been. A first round Bantam draft pick of the Swift Current Broncos a year ago, the soon-to-be 16-year old is turning to Junior A hockey instead of making the immediate jump to Major Junior.

"Evan is already drawing a ton of interest from top-end universities," says Gervais. "They aren't able to talk to him until June 15th [due to NCAA recruiting guidelines] but Evan and his family are aware of the educational route and they've gone through both scenarios."

Gervais is quick to point out that Richardson may still choose to move on to the Western Hockey League at some point, but that his decision to join the Grizzlies leaves him with a number of options open entering his Grade 11 year. And those possibilities are likely to expand should the Nanaimo product's performance meet his coach's expectations.

"Evan is a player who is very dangerous offensively," he says. "He can score any time he is on the ice and he's an explosive skater -- he has that third or fourth gear that most guys just can't match."

It's fair to say that the Grizzlies have had the phenom on their radar for some time. In fact, Richardson was just nine years old when head scout Dennis Taylor first noticed him during an Atom tournament. Gervais is very glad he did.

"His familiarity with Evan and his family was a big reason for him committing to us," he explains. "They've showed some real loyalty to Dennis through this process."

With Richardson on board, his coach is now turning his sights to adding a few experienced Junior A players to help aid in his development.

"Every team is looking to have that go-to line who can decide a game for you, and we're no different," Gervais says. "We're looking to add a few older guys and have that established first line like Alberni Valley had (with David Dziurzynski and brothers Mitch and Mark MacMillan) last season."

It will be a few months before Gervais knows if his newest commit will immediately assume a role on a top unit; in the meantime, the Grizzlies' coach is satisfied knowing that one of the province's most sought-after players will make Victoria his home for the near future.

"With junior hockey, lots of kids rush in [to playing Major Junior] and kick themselves later," he says. "I'm glad that Evan has made the decision to start here."

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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