Victoria Grizzlies General Manager Jackson Penney has informed Bolt Prospects that Lightning 2007 seventh round pick Justin Courtnall [4] will return to the BCHL Grizzlies for another year.
Courtnall had been looking into attending an NCAA school in the fall, but those plans are on hold until the 2009-2010 season.
After starting slow last year with Victoria, Courtnall came on to finish with 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points in 60 games - good enough for second on the club by just a point.
The winger played the previous season with Burnaby of the BCHL.
Courtnall's father, former NHLer Geoff Courtnall, is the head coach of Victoria. Lightning co-owner Len Barrie serves as the Grizzlies' president. (Times-Colonist photo)