Gay Shines in Home Debut
September 13, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
SASKATOON - It was worth the wait
Connor Gay made his Blades debut tonight in dramatic fashion, racking up 5 points - 4 assists - as the Blades outscored the Raiders 8-6 in Warman at the Legends Centre. Wearing the sweater he grew up dreaming to wear, gay was nothing but smiles following the game.
"Putting on that jersey; I've always wanted to since I was a little kid."
The 20 year-old has been sidelined with an injury since camp opened up a few weeks ago, but gay's performance was certainly worth the wait.
Despite, Gay's terrific performance, also not forgetting about his line mates, Nick Zajac, and Cameron Hebig, the game didn't start out great for the Blades.
Prince Albert jumped out to a 4-1 lead after 20 minutes on goals by Cody Paivarinta, Sean Montgomery, Tim Vanstone, and 16-year old Parker Kelly. The Blades were out-shot, ou-thit, out-chanced, and blatantly out-played. Shots 17-8 for Prince Albert after the opening frame.
Whatever Head Coach and GM Bob Woods said during that intermission, be it the loud, boisterous approach, or the silent treatment, it worked.
The boys in blue started the comeback while Clavet native, Austin Glover served two minutes for roughing. A slick passing play started by Nick Zajac ended with Connor Gay feathering a pass between two Raiders right on Cameron Hebig's stick who tapped in the easy goal. This was just the start of what would be a rockstar trio the rest of the night.
Saskatoon would continue their comeback just past the halfway mark of the second period when it was Hebig starting the play this time, feeding it to Gay, who slid it cross crease to Zajac who gladly tapped it into the empty net. Zajac was quick to compliment Gay on his work not only in this game, but around the rink since coming into the Blades family.
"He's a standup guy first of all away from the rink and in the dressing room...he's a great leader, he leads by example."
Zajac, the epitome of hard work and BladeFactor, would help complete the first comeback, outmuscling two Raiders before feeding the puck out front the Hebig who one-timed it past goaltender Scott to tie the game at 4.
A Hausinger tripping penalty would cost the Blades the lead heading into the 3rd period but the Bridge City Bunch erupted once again, spurred ahead by none other than Connor Gay.
With Brennan Riddle serving two minutes for holding, Gay took the point pass from Reid which he then saucered across to Gingras for another tap in goal for the Blades.
After a Libor Hajek goal gave the Blades the lead, they did not let off the gas pedal. Gay would score his lone goal of the game at 8:36 of the third, followed by a Nick Zajac one-timer 30 seconds later assisted by Gay, and Hebig.
The Raiders would add a late goal, but it wouldn't be enough as the Blades picked up back to back wins against their biggest rivals. Shots ended up tied at 29 a piece, and Gay, Zajac, and Hebig all finished with 5 points each.
The Blades now have six days off following tonight's win. They take to ice again next Friday, September 18th at SaskTel Centre when they face-off against the Swift Current Broncos.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 13, 2015
- Rebels Make Roster Moves - Red Deer Rebels
- Rockets Take Rematch 4-3 in Kelowna - Kamloops Blazers
- Royals Topple Giants - Victoria Royals
- Petersen Leads Hitmen to 2-0 Shutout Win - Calgary Hitmen
- Giants Fall 4-1 in Victoria - Vancouver Giants
- Oil Kings Can't Solve Calgary D - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Wheat Kings Make It 2 for 2 - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Chiefs Defeat Rebels 5-3 - Red Deer Rebels
- 11 Prince Albert players find the score sheet in loss to Saskatoon - Prince Albert Raiders
- Gay Shines in Home Debut - Saskatoon Blades
- Sluggish Start Costs Oil Kings - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Americans Edge Thunderbirds 3-2 - Tri-City Americans
- Royals Topped by Giants - Victoria Royals
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