OUTLOOK - The Saskatoon Blazers AAA hockey team once again played locally on Thursday night, March 3 when the team squared off against the Regina Pat Canadians in front of a full and loud crowd at the Jim Kook Rec Plex in Outlook.
The game was a back-and-forth affair that saw momentum being carried from one roster to the other as both teams battled for control of the ice and possession of the puck.
The Blazers were the first to get on the scoreboard and managed to retain the lead for much of the action, but in the third period, the Canadians started fighting back and showed a second wind that could've put the score of the game in question by the time the clock ran out. But Saskatoon held on, and by the time the buzzer sounded, the Blazers were victorious at a score of 5-3.
One of the stars of the game, Blazers #18 Josh Zakreski, racked up three goals for his team. Zakreski is the grandson of Ron and Marlene Brown of Outlook and the son of Stacy Zakreski, who played with the Conquest Merchants senior team for a number of years. Josh is also joined by another local player, #29 Alex Garrett, who is related to the Garrett's of Milden, as well as #16 Cole Peardon, who is from Outlook.
The guys were glad to see the game go their way.
"For the most part, I'd say it went pretty well for us," said Alex.
Peardon is pumped to sign with the Prince Albert Raiders WHL franchise.
"It's awesome," he said. "It fits really close to home, so I think that's really good."
Zakreski enjoyed a learning experience after being drafted to the Portland Winterhawks WHL franchise.
"Really good," he said. "I spent a lot of time down there, and I probably spent more time down there than here, but I soaked everything in and came back, just doing my thing."
Garrett as well took his interactions with the Calgary Hitmen WHL franchise as an opportunity to learn.
"I was down there twice this year for a few weeks," he said. "It was a great learning experience. I didn't get much playing time, but it was great to soak it all in."
For these players, each of them says the sport of hockey brings with it something that they sink their teeth into.
"Probably the physicality of it," said Cole. "You can't really do stuff like that in the real world, so I'd have to say that's my favorite part."
"It's just fun," said Alex. "I love to compete and be with the guys, that's the best part."
"Something like this while growing up, you get to start making friendships while coming to the rink each day, so it's something that you stick with," said Josh.
