Practice Report | Thursday, December 5
With two big games in the next couple of days, the Winnipeg ICE got right back to work this morning at The RINK Training Centre.
Despite notching a season-high fifth-straight home win by edging the Swift Current Broncos 4-2 at the ICE Cave inside Wayne Fleming Arena last night, Winnipeg’s Western Hockey League team was moving on today with tests versus Regina Friday and Kamloops Saturday to attend to.
NEWCOMERS SETTLE IN
There were a couple of fresh faces at the day’s workout with recently added defenceman Ty Ettinger and goalie pickup Liam Hughes full participants.
While it was the first time on-ice with the group for the 19-year old Ettinger, Hughes managed to cram a morning skate and backup duty into his first day in town Wednesday.
“It was a really quick turnaround for me,” said Hughes who travelled from Edmonton late Tuesday. “A lot of emotions and a lot of memories coming out, missing the Western Hockey League and getting back into it is really exciting for me.”
Hughes took some time away from the game earlier this year to assess his priorities before deciding he wanted to be at the rink doing his thing again.
The first step back was a short spell with AJHL Drayton Valley, that included one start, but when the chance to get back to the Western League came along it was too good to pass up.
“I kind of started here in the Western Hockey League back when I was 17, with the Edmonton Oil Kings, and it’s just kind of where I wanted to end it for my family and myself.”
Hughes has 78 career WHL appearances dating back to his debut-season with the Oil Kings in the 2016-17 season and continuing through stops in Seattle and Lethbridge.
EARNING HIS MINUTES
After making seven appearances with Edmonton in his rookie season, Hughes became a Seattle Thunderbird and it was in the Pacific Northwest where he ascended to the number-one job.
“It was a lot of fun,” said the 20-year old Kelowna-product of his time as a T-bird. “(I) kind of had to work my way up to become a starter and played there for a year-and-a-half and it was a lot of fun – a lot of memories there I’ll cherish.”
In all Hughes made 65 of his 78 WHL appearances with Seattle where he counted fellow ICE overager Reece Harsch among his favourite teammates – making walking into a new room for the first time a whole lot better.
“It’s really comforting knowing that you’ve got a guy that you already know, that you’re really tight with, it helps you join the dressing room and bond with the guys a lot better.”
VETERAN PRESENCE
After splitting last season between Seattle and Lethbridge, Hughes starts his fourth WHL campaign with some perspective and maturity – things he feels help him be better at his job.
“You’re definitely a lot more confident in the net, and you know what, kind of, to expect and it just helps you play in a lot more games and making a lot more saves and being more aware and you can read the play a little bit better.”
Beyond making sure his game is where it needs to be to help the ICE, Hughes has a bigger goal in mind. He wants to help his teammates, Jesse Makaj and Gage Alexander, reach their potential.
“It’s really important, as a I’m an older goalie in the league, to help out those younger goalies kind of develop into a starting role when they’re ready to go. It’s exciting and I love doing it for them and being a good friend and being their, kind of brother, to help them out and raise them up to be a good starter, help the organization as best as I can.”
Hughes and the ICE host the Regina Pats tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. at the ICE Cave inside Wayne Fleming Arena for Superhero Night presented by Recycle Everywhere.
Fans are encouraged to by online in advance HERE and use promo code RECYCLE to receive 25% off their tickets!
Family of four packs (2 adult and 2 youth tickets) are available to any Winnipeg ICE home game. If you purchase a family of four pack HERE, each ticket receives one free popcorn and one free drink! Birthday packages are also available HERE and each ticket to the birthday package receives one free popcorn and one free drink!
