Early Christmas gift for Graff

Posted on: J A McRae

Mario Prusina
Times Editor
 
For Jarrett Graff, it was a Christmas present that couldn’t wrapped.
The goaltender for the Strathmore Storm midget-A team lived a lifelong dream when he was between the pipes for this hometown UFA Bisons Dec. 23 at the Strathmore Family Centre
Graff, who is always ‘on call’ as a spare, usually fills in when the team needs an extra goalie in practice.
So when the UFA Bisons hosted Russia Severstal/Locomotiv in an exhibition game leading up to the Mac’s Tournament, the Bisons allowed their affiliate netminder to play the second period of the contest.
“It was really exciting – playing Russia, a big atmosphere with a huge crowd, it was a great Christmas present,” said Graff. “I was a little nervous, but I got comfortable as the game went on. I thought I made some good saves and it was a big confidence boost just being able to compete out there and give it my all.
“It was a great moment for me to be able to play triple-A for the first time – it was so awesome.”
According to Graff, it was easier to focus on the game because his teammates made him feel comfortable right from the start.
Head coach Jeremy Friesen was pleased with Graff’s play, considering two of the three goals against came when the Bisons were killing a penalty.
“Overall, I thought he was great,” beamed Friesen. “I wasn’t worried about him coming in at all to be honest with you. In a game situation, he’s a competitor – he battles and he has a lot of pride. I thought his positioning was fantastic considering the speed adjustment he had to make.
“I thought he was poised – there was even a couple of times where he played the puck and that is the sign of a confident goaltender.
“His play was exceptional and I think he enjoyed the moment.”
According to Friesen, the theory of playing his affiliate netminder in the exhibition game was simple.
“With Jarrett, he’s a guy that is local … and whenever we run into an emergency for a practice or game, he’s there for us,” said the coach. “He never says no. It’s just a way to say thank you for his contribution.”