Ryan Hughes had a debut to remember for the Kamloops Blazers.
He scored twice – including the overtime winner – and added an assist as the Blazers beat the Kelowna Rockets 3-2 at Sandman Centre.
“The guys welcomed me with open arms, they made it really easy for me,” Hughes said post game. “I don’t know if I’ve been here 24 hours yet. [The coaches] kind of told me to play my game…and I couldn’t have asked for a better game.”
Zane Franklin opened the scoring for the Blazers at 9:22 of the first period, as he deflected a Ryan Hughes shot, but the period ended tied at 1-1 as Dillon Hamaliuk also scored for the Rockets at 13:20.
The second period was a scoreless affair, before Hughes put the Blazers up for the second time at 13:29 of the third period on the powerplay.
Kelowna would tie the game a second time – also on the powerplay, as Kyle Topping scored at 15:23, which was how the third period ended.
Midway through overtime, the Blazers drew a penalty as Nolan Foote was called for hooking at 2:13. The Blazers 4-on-3 advantage lasted 29 seconds as Hughes scored his second of the night, with Franklin assisting on both Hughes goals for a three point night of his own.
“I kind of looked over at the bench and I had 19 guys coming at me after,” Hughes added.
Dylan Garand made 18 saves to take the win, while Roman Basran had 29 saves in a losing effort; the first non pre-season meeting between the two rivals since the tie-breaker game on March 19.
In attendance among the 4,461 fans at Sandman Centre were students and staff from Parkcrest Elementary, along with their families for Parkcrest night. All proceeds of the 50/50 draw will be going to the Parkcrest PAC to help fund new sports equipment.
The Blazers will host the Vancouver Giants tomorrow, September 28, witha 7 p.m. puck drop. Coverage on Radio NL begins with the Kamloops Insurance pre-game show at 6:30 p.m.
(Photo via Allen Douglas/twitter)
HUGHESDAY!!
HUGHESDAY!!
HUGHESDAY!!
HUGHESDAY!!OVERTIME 🚨🚨🚨🚨
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) September 28, 2019
Big 😁😁😁 for @r_hughes21
postgame! WATCH: 🎥 pic.twitter.com/t6Yce1EZsJ— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) September 28, 2019
A win for @blazerhockey and a win for the #Kamloops community. Glad @BCLC could be a a part of it. pic.twitter.com/lx8v5gjSus
— Greg Moore (@GregMooredotca) September 28, 2019
With a few friends who helped me drop the puck. Some behind scenes of @blazerhockey! With the Kamloops and @BCLC family coming together along w Mayor @ken_kchristian pic.twitter.com/KAZfJoztyb
— Greg Moore (@GregMooredotca) September 28, 2019
