Revelstoke Grizzlies hyped for a ‘loud barn’ for home opener

Connor Shymoniak, Revelstoke Grizzlies player in the blue Revelstoke Grizzlies jersey. He is on the ice, staring towards the other end, hands on knees and stick braced. — Connor Shymoniak, Revelstoke Grizzlies’ forward says the team is eager to show off new skills at the regular season home opener. **Photo by Matthew Timmins/Matthew Timmins Photography**

After eight games on the road, the Revelstoke Grizzlies are welcoming fans to the Revelstoke Forum Saturday, Oct. 18 for the 2025-2026 regular season home opener, hoping for a chance to showcase skills learned over months of away games.

Starting the season on the road offers a chance to “really build as a team and get to know each other,” Connor Shymoniak, Revelstoke Grizzlies forward said. In his second year on the team, Shymoniak has come to appreciate the way teammates quickly learn from each other and know what to expect from each game.

“I’m learning how I can play off each teammate and how we can use each other’s skills to our advantage.”

Last season the Grizzlies said goodbye to team captain Jacob Smith, assistant captains Colton McLeod, Kesler Fyfe, Nathan White and other senior players, making way for a new generation of leaders to step in. Coach Jiri Novak and Shymoniak both see a team focused on carrying on the work of previous players.

“We’re trying to bring the culture that we’ve built for the last couple years and carry it into this year and many years to come,” Shymoniak said.

Part of that culture includes a fan base known across the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League as one of the loudest and most supportive.

“We have the best fans in the league. So, we’re excited to play in front of a packed, loud barn.”

Catch the Revelstoke Grizzlies at the Revelstoke Forum Saturday, Oct. 18 taking on the Beaver Valley Nitehawks. All ages are welcome to attend, tickets sold online through Showpass and at the door, depending on availability.