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**brickwall35** · 08-26-2021, 10:53 AM

It was a week of many firsts for the newest expansion franchise in the SMJHL (no, not Regina). The Great Falls Grizzlies drafted its first rookie class, took to the ice for its first game, and proceeded to record the team’s first ever victory (and then its second). But perhaps the most important first that occurred, in regard to the team’s legacy, was the naming of the team’s first captains. The decision on which players would adorn the “A” and “C” on their jerseys was left entirely up to the players, as management and coaching staff put the decision to a team vote. The Grizzlies will sport three alternate (two “2nd alternate” and one “1st alternate”) captains, in addition to one primary captain. So, without further ado, I present to you the SMJHL Season 61 Great Falls Grizzlies Captains:

2nd Alternate Captain – Bjorn Viggosson (@Ace)
Ace is a long-standing member of the SHL community, having joined back in March of 2011. Coming up on a decade of experience, Ace has experienced much success, most memorably his back-to-back Four-Star Cup victories with the Vancouver Whalers in S35 and S36. As current WJC commissioner and Head GM of the Winnipeg Aurora, Ace has a plethora of experience that will be priceless to a newly created team.
Bjorn Viggosson is in his sophomore season and has already blown past his ceiling. With 415 TPE earned, Bjorn is well over the underclassmen cap of 350. While his skills will undoubtably be valuable to the Grizzlies, it’s his attitude that shows why he has what it takes to be a captain. Bjorn does whatever it takes to give his team a spark, whether that’s getting to those dirty corners to win a puck battle, or agitate the opposing team into taking penalties, or even dropping the mitts himself. Bjorn is a leader off the ice as well, bringing a light-hearted and fun feel to the locker room (LR) in order to keep everyone relaxed and loose.

2nd Alternate Captain – Jonathon Hagan (@CampinKiller)
CampinKiller is another veteran of the site, having spent 5 years on and off within the SHL. CK’s biggest highlight of his time here was leading a comeback with Anaheim over QCC, as well as leading Texas previously in S42. CK has plenty of experience building players and will be a valuable asset for the Grizzlies to have.
Jonathon Hagan will be set to start his 3rd season in the J. At nearly 600 TPE, Hagan is well past any junior caps, but continues to work hard developing his game. In his previous two seasons with Anaheim, Hagan racked up 175 hits and 168 blocked shots, and averaged nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game. All while also having back-to-back 20+ point seasons. The 6’1” defenseman says that as a captain, he plans on establishing a solid attitude amongst the team in order to succeed, whilst having the skills to back up the team on the ice. If there’s to be a parade in Great Falls at the end of this season, expect to see Hagan manning the beer bong.

1st Alternate Captain – Sekai Wollker (@Gaia Mormont)
Gaia continues the trend of long-term service in the SHL, having joined the league 8 years ago. Gaia first created a player way back in S17, and now with S61, is on the 4th incarnation of that player (“My New Hope”, as Gaia called it). In addition to winning ‘ships, Gaia also recalled winning some valuable bragging rights, telling me a story about how a goalie used to make fun of her name, only for Gaia to put up a double-brace (4 goals) against said goalie in one game. Gaia has been a part of a lot of successful teams, with a lot of championship rings to show for it, including 4 Challenge Cup victories. But the one thing that has alluded her has been a 4-Star Cup. She understands how rare it can be to win a championship, so the journey is what she focuses on; entertaining and being entertained is the goal, she says. Having that kind of perspective is a great example for the whole locker, and something for all player, new and old, to keep in mind.
Sekai Wollker is entering his fourth season in the juniors, having had a terrific career thus far. Wollker has crossed over the 700 TPE mark, with 50 waiting to be updated. The Icelandic senior is hoping to be an elite defenseman in the SHL, but in the meantime, is hoping to have an enjoyable final year in the SMJHL and help establish a legacy in Great Falls. A fun attitude with a determination to win it all is what Sekai looks to bring to the table as a captain, and there’s no doubt in my mind he will.

Captain – Grogu Mandosson (@Muerto)
And finally, we have the captain. Muerto (Kez on discord) wraps up the veteran core of the Grizzlies, having roots back as far as S14. Muerto has been on numerous championship squads as well as having had a HOF career; there’s no doubting the vast experience he brings to this team. His favorite highlight of his time in the SHL was being drafted 1st overall in season 26. As someone who has happy to go in the 3rd round, I can’t even imagine. Kez has been there, done that, and will be a fantastic mentor and captain to this budding franchise.
Grogu Mandosson is primed to start his second season, already having eclipsed the TPE cap, sitting just over the 400 TPE plateau. The Norwegian center looks to have a fantastic year and will undoubtably be a major contributor on the ice. Off the ice, Mandosson looks to bring a positive, respectful attitude to the locker room. Grogu aims to always look for the good in people, and to try and help others, and himself, improve. The Grizzlies couldn’t ask for a better player to take on the role and responsibilities of captain.

And there you have it. Congratulations to Bjorn, Jonathon, Sekai, and Grogu; Great Falls has been put in very promising hands. I'd also like to thank Ace, CK, Gaia, and Kez for taking the time to answer some questions about themselves and their players. I enjoyed getting to know you all a little better, and I know we'll grow as a team as the season goes on. This bear nose has caught a scent, and it smells like victory. #bearcountry