Late comeback stuns at Top Prospects Game

Graeme Clarke found the back of the net in the second for Team Orr and Kerby Dach, the top-ranked player at the annual event and No. 2 on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings, tacked on an assist.

Arthur Kaliyev led Team Cherry with two goals and an assist.

Peyton Krebs had a goal and an assist and Nick Robertson chipped in with three helpers playing on a line alongside Kaliyev. Samuel Poulin had the other goal.

“At about the four minute mark I saw some people get up and start to leave the building with the score 4-2,” said Clarke. “That just goes to show that anything can happen, obviously with our three quick goals and we got the win so it’s pretty exciting.

“This one will be in my memory for a long time,” he added. “It’s definitely a special hockey moment.”

Hunter Jones started for Team Orr and stopped 18-of-20 shots in 30 minutes of action before giving way to Colten Ellis, who made 15 saves to pick up the win.

Taylor Gauthier took the loss after allowing four goals on 16 shots. Mads Sogaard started for Team Cherry and made 17 saves as the two netminders split playing time down the middle.

“It was fast paced and it was lots of skill, kids were playing like it was a showcase-type thing, doing certain things that they wouldn’t normally do. You got to let them do it and let them play,” said Team Cherry coach and Red Deer Rebels boss Brent Sutter. “You just gotta let them think it and let them go. Call their names out and let ‘em do it.”

Rebels forward Oleg Zaytsev, who went pointless on the night for Team Cherry, received one of the loudest cheers of the night when his name was called during pregame introductions.

“I thought he did fine,” Sutter said of Zaytsev’s performance. “I thought he made some plays. He was responsible defensively, which was good to see. (He) played a good 200 foot game.”

Sutter was overall pleased with how hosting the game and the events surrounding it turned out.

“As you can see it was a good turnout,” he said in reference to the 5,432 fans that turned out for the game. “You get to see the top of the class of the kids in the CHL that are up for the draft this year. When it’s in your own back yard, it was nice. It was good for our community in central Alberta.”

(With file from The Canadian Press)

by Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Late comeback stuns at Top Prospects Game

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