Join me on a trip to northwestern Montana. To the cozy city of Great Falls, inside the MetraPark Arena, home of the mighty Grizzlies. 

Mighty may not be the aptest word to describe the team in its current form, however. At the time of writing Great Falls are coming off 4 straight losses, winning only 3 of their last 10 putting them 11th in the overall J standings with only 29 points. Regardless, this was to be expected. The team is in the very early stages of a rebuild and the fact the team has managed 14 wins is a pleasant surprise despite initial impressions. 

The main problem in the north right now though isn't necessarily the results, it's the sound. The sound of silence. You could let a wild grizzly lose in the MetraPark and it wouldn't find anything to eat, not a single person in sight. The lack of activity though is also a natural byproduct of the rebuild and general situation surrounding the team. Spirits aren't low necessarily... Perhaps a bit muted. 

The locker room is more promising, if not a bit scant at the moment. Forwards Alisters Vismanis, Taschen Messer, and Ezra Wong all help to form the core of active users on the grizzlies, whilst also forming the core of the offense, with two solid tenders in Hank Stopper and Alvin Towne. Manny is also there sometimes I guess. 

Going backward, looking at the defense, the picture becomes a little less promising with Brent Ashe II representing the most active, and highest earning defenseman on the squad at ~320 TPE. Besides him, there isn't much to speak of as of now which could be a significant problem going forwards. Realistically speaking, it's a problem now. Lacking a solid, competitive defensive core has led the Grizzlies to a +/- of -51 and, after trading stud center Shylo Moxii (in an attempt to aid in the rebuild) goals aren't exactly coming as easily either with the GFG boys registering only 108 goals across 40 games. At the very back, things seem to be sorted through. Alvin Towne has put up some very impressive numbers this season between the posts despite tending the net for a defensively leaky team solidifying his spot for years to come for the Montana men. Hank has also been solid, but will soon look to make the move to the SHL already having been called up for a string of games for Calgary this year. 

Ultimately, it comes down to one thing; active players. We just need more of 'em. As of writing, there are about 6 seriously active players in the Great Falls locker room, which is a little low but something that can easily be remedied. A draft, or two and a number of solid waiver pick-ups can turn this team into a real contender. The foundation is absolutely there. Perhaps there are a few prospects on waivers right this very moment who may help to turn this team's fortunes around. 

To conclude, the team is in the very capable hands of big Chevy Cheese who, no doubt, has plans for the squad and is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the current team. Things may be a little rocky right now, but the future looks pretty good provided we get in a few more solid earners, especially in defense, and the locker room gets jumping again. 

Roar

The Venerable, Most Eloquent, Sir Aloyisius Hoglord The Third of House Zwijnjäger

@jackkmart APPROVED! +5 TPE

@jackkmart  APPROVED! +5 TPE

you're wicked fast

The Venerable, Most Eloquent, Sir Aloyisius Hoglord The Third of House Zwijnjäger