Kinistino’s Justin Cay gave his hometown fans a show last week.
The Carrot River Outback Thunder forward scored three goals in the final period to help his squad secure a 6-2 victory over the Prince Albert Titans in Kinistino on Nov. 1. The Outback Thunder fell to the Regina Capitals, 4-3 in a shootout, on Saturday and beat the Delisle Chiefs, 3-1, on Sunday.
“We only allowed six goals in three games so goaltending and defensive play were obviously a factor to our success,” Carrot River head coach Trevor Logan said.
The Outback Thunder picked up five out of a possible six standings points last week. They improved to 6-1-0-4 on the season. As of Sunday, the Outback Thunder were third in the Prairie Junior Hockey League’s North Division, just one point back of Deslisle for second.
Cay said it has been seven seasons since he last played in his hometown rink.
“Lots of fun to go back and play in the barn where it all started for me,” said the son of Randy and Susan Cay. “A huge thanks to the people of Kinistino for coming out and supporting us!”
The 19-year-old has been lighting the lamp a lot for Carrot River so far this season. As of Monday, he led the team with 10 goals and was second in points with 13 in 13 games. Cay has already surpassed the seven goals he had in 35 games last season. Logan said that Cay had been asking how to score more. He watched some video and put in work on some things, which Logan said was paying off.
“I think a lot of it is just a mindset,” Logan said after the Thunder win in Kinistino. “When pucks don't bounce your way, you look for answers and maybe you’re not even doing anything wrong. You get a couple to go in and your confidence gets up and you go on a roll like he has.”
Cay said confidence has played a role in his success.
“[It’s my] second year in the league and I know what to expect and what it takes to be successful in the league,” said Cay, whose brother Layne is also on the team. “I have moved back upfront to forward after playing defence for most of the season last year so I’m a little more comfortable playing up there as that’s where I played my whole career.
“Another improvement that’s helped me out is my shot. It has improved a lot and I’m shooting a lot more than I use to.”
In addition to scoring goals, the Outback Thunder count on the University of Saskatchewan agriculture business student to play an all-around game.
“Justin just works hard every night,” Logan said. “He's a leader on and off the ice who plays a hard two-way game and takes pride on the defensive side of the puck but also adds solid offence.”
This week
The Outback Thunder are on the road this weekend to play the West Central Rage. The teams clash on Saturday and Sunday in Kerrobert.
Outback Thunder 6, Titans 2
The Outback Thunder used a four-goal third period – three scored by Justin Cay – to grab a 6-2 victory. Carrot River led 1-0 after the first period, but the contest was knotted at 2-2 at the end of the second.
Outback Thunder forward Nick Peterson had a goal and three points on the night. Drayden Ukrainetz and Austin Linnen also scored for Carrot River. Linnen and defenceman Ethan Rheaume both had two points. Outback Thunder goalie Ben Gilbertson made 19 saves on 21 shots.
Capitals 4, O. Thunder 3 SO
Rheaume and Ukrainetz scored in the third period on Nov. 4 to tie the game and ensure the Outback Thunder would earn at least a point. Carrot River had trailed 3-1 early in the third period.
The Capitals were able to score once in the shootout, while Carrot River’s three shooters were unable to light the lamp. Justin Cay had the Outback Thunder’s other goal on the night. Kolten Holmen made 30 saves on 33 shots for Carrot River.
Outback Thunder 3, Chiefs 1
Peterson’s pair of third-period markers powered the Outback Thunder to a 3-1 victory at home on Sunday. The game had been tied at 1-1 after the first and neither team was able to score in the second session.
Colton Halvorson assisted on both of Peterson’s goal, including an empty net marker to seal things. Travis Pfeil had Carrot River’s other goal. Holmen had 36 saves on the night.
