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Depleted Bruins lineup means opportunity for local hockey player

Dec 22, 2017 | 11:00 AM

It was an early birthday present for a North Battleford hockey player Thursday night as Colby Cave made his NHL debut for the Boston Bruins.

The six-foot centre who spent most of the 2017-18 hockey season with the Bruins American Hockey League affiliate in Providence was an emergency call-up for Boston which was hit with the injury bug. Five forwards from Thursday night’s lineup: David Krejci, Adam McQuaid, Ryan Spooner, Riley Nash and Pete Cehlarik were pulled

North Battleford’s Cave, who will turn 23 on Dec. 26, took a regular shift centering the third line with Anders Bjork and Jake Debrusk. He had 18 shifts with over 11 minutes of ice time. He was also assessed a two-minute interference penalty in the first period.

Cave, who spent time with the Battleford North Stars of the SJHL and the Swift Cur said he was notified early Thursday that he would be getting to fulfill his lifelong dream.

“I was at practice this morning (Thursday) in Providence when the coach gave me a tap and told me not to skate too hard because I was playing tonight,” Cave told media following the game. “I knew there were a few guys out sick and a few were game time decisions and I am honoured for the opportunity.”

Charlie McAvoy scored the shootout winner for the Bruins as they nipped the Jets 2-1 for their third straight win.

This morning, Cave was re-assigned to Providence.

 

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @RJWtheReporter