Graham Black made his return to the Swift Current Broncos in style with the game winning goal against Regina on Saturday.
The New Jersey Devils draft pick had been at their camp and made it back just in time for the home opener.
"It was just a great pass from (Coda Gordon)," Black said. "I just kind of closed my eyes and shot it."
He was inserted right into a top line role with Gordon and Colby Cave.
"I've been waiting to play with (Cave) for a couple years now," Black noted. "He works so hard. (Gordon) is so smart out there, he's always in the right spot and always making those quick little plays. It's just awesome to have those guys kicking around with you."
Despite a slow start in the game, he felt Connor Sanvido's willingness to come to the defence of Julius Honka and fight Dyson Stevenson of the Pats sparked the Broncos.
"(Sanvido) came out and had that fight and that just meant the world to the team," Black said. "We've got so many guys willing to stick up for each other. It's such a great team we've got in the dressing room. I think you're going to see a lot of that this year and that really gets the boys motivated."
This year was Black's first chance to attend the actual NHL camp with the Devils because last season's was cancelled by the lockout. It's something he took a lot from.
"They pass the puck so hard," Black said. "They're always moving, they're always getting open. Defensively I've worked on my game a lot that way so I'm not a liability."
"I've picked up little tricks and places to guy from those older guys like (Jaromir) Jagr and (Patrick) Elias. Watching them is just a treat."
As much as it was a learning experience, it was also a motivator to get so close to the NHL. Now Black will come back to the WHL with an extra focus on getting back there.
"It's every kid's dream," he said. "Once you get to the next level and get that step closer you'll do anything to make it. Hopefully I have a good year and I can work my way up there next year."
Black put up back-to-back 50 point seasons for the Broncos and is being asked to play a bigger role on the team this season with the departure of #1 centre and league MVP Adam Lowry. He and the Broncos host Moose Jaw on Friday.
We'll talk more Broncos during Home Hardware's Overtime Monday night at 6pm on The Eagle 94.1 FM and live at Boston Pizza's Lounge.
Fri, Apr 26, 10:00 AM
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