The GTA Grizzlies are hoping they can carry over their 2019 momentum into the 2021 season despite not playing any games a year ago.  In 2019 the Grizzlies earned a playoff berth and had a talented roster which included the CJFL Rookie of the Year Harvey Mafuta.  They also saw community support through sponsorship and very good engagement from their players attending various events within the city.  

Their season opens on August 29th at home when they host the new look St. Clair Fratmen at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke

What’s New:

What’s old is new again with the Grizzlies as they welcome back Mike Leonard as their head coach for this season.    He had stepped down following the 2018 season but returns hungry to lead the Grizzlies to the next level.  Former head coach Mark Houlder was at the helm in 2019 however was elected to the CJFL Executive Board as the First Vice President of the Ontario Conference making him ineligible to continue as the head coach.

Key Grads:

WR/R/DB Harvey Mafuta – after a sparkling rookie season in 2019 which saw him play both ways and win the CJFL Rookie of the Year award he has joined Concordia University.  As a member of the Grizzlies he made 18 receptions for 352 yards and scored two touchdowns, he returned 25 kicks for 593 yards and had two majors.  On the defensive side he had 34 tackles and three interceptions.

LB Mark Straw – he was a beast for the Grizzlies in 2019 with a team high 36 tackles to complement his three sacks, blocked kick, knockdown and interception.  He moved with his family out of Ontario.

DL Michael Hulsebosch – he will be a difficult piece to replace after a 2019 season that saw him collect 15 tackles, six sacks and forced a fumble.

What They Need:

The Grizzlies biggest hole this off-season was on the offensive line like most teams.  They are hoping they have the right pieces in place with the season now just days away.

Counting On:

DL/LB Jayvor Miller – he had a very solid 2019 season with 26 tackles and will be the anchor on their defence this season.

WR Nick Carklin – in 2019 he caught 20 passes for 174 yards.  The Grizzlies want to see more production numbers from him after the departure of Mafuta.

QB Alex Pervis – he’s a newcomer to the Grizzlies and will look to give the club some stability at the quarterback position.

The Grizzlies and Fratmen will kick-off their Week 1 tilt at 1:00pm on Sunday August 29th.