Garet Hunt was one of the smallest players on view in the first game of the National Hockey League (NHL) Alumni triple-header at Murrayfield, but he made a big impression.
The Canadian-born forward was beaming after the match announcer confirmed he had logged five assists in the 8-4 win over USA.
The player said that the total was his best single-game tally this season as Fife Flyers’ inspirational captain.
And the 175cm (5ft 9in) tall player, who totalled three goals and 12 assists in 44 outings from the Kirkcaldy club in a difficult season in which they propped up the ten-strong Elite League, thoroughly enjoyed the outing before more than 1,500 fans.
Much-travelled Hunt, who has played for clubs including some in North America, Hungary and China, buzzed around the Olympic-sized ice pad and he was one of the stand-out players on a night when “legends” of the game displayed their considerable skills.
Slick passing, anticipation, and on-ice craft was on display, so was their quality, but not the physical side of the game with hard hitting, particularly in the corners of the rink, a no-no.
That was to be expected as there are two more games scheduled, one of Saturday, which, organisers say, is almost sold-out, and the final fixture on Sunday. What’s more, some of the skaters were over 40 and some of the players have not had regular ice time recently.
Hunt said some admitted their legs were “burning” after the 60 minutes.
Wednesday night’s game, he said, was a “taster” for those who had never witnessed an ice hockey game before. They included Claudio Braga, the Portugal-born winger who has helped take Hearts to the summit of the William Hill Premiership.
And experienced Hunt expects more from the players of both sides in the final two games as they get used to their new team-mates. Some only jetted into Scotland’s Capital on Monday.
Overall, Hunt declared: “This was a really good way to introduce the game to people here in Scotland, and what a turn out on a midweek night.”
He is pleased that Murrayfield will be packed on Saturday and again on Sunday and he added: “These games allow people to experience a hockey game with quality players involved. Some of the guys have scored 50 to 60 goals in the NHL, and the fans saw some nice goals and great plays.”
Now he hopes that they will be encouraged to watch Elite League ice hockey at centres including Glasgow, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.
Murrayfield is currently home to the Edinburgh Capitals who play in the Scottish League and Hunt said: “It only took me 40 minutes to drive here from Kirkcaldy. Let’s hope others do the same.”
He expects USA to bite back on Saturday and he added: “These are taster games, yes, but there is still intense rivalry between Canada and USA. We both want to win.”
For the record, Saturday’s game faces-off at 6.30pm and it is a 5.30pm start on Sunday.
FREE-SCORING: Claudio Braga witnessed his first ice hockey game at Murrayfield on Wednesday. Picture Nigel Duncan
FIERCELY-COMPETITIVE: Garet Hunt in action for Fife Flyers. Picture courtesy of the Elite League
