Peyton Shore didn't long to make a good impression on his Red Deer Rebels teammates.
The 16-year-old, who was called up last week after Rhett Stoesser was traded to the Kelowna Rockets, made his WHL debut at the Peavey Mart Centrium Friday.
And the rookie goalie looked every bit the part of a veteran, turning in a stellar 38-save performance in a 3-2 victory over the Prince George Cougars.
Shore, who was also with the team during training camp, as well as the end of last season, had yet to play in a regular season game until Friday.
He was named the game's first star Friday and received plenty of cheers from the 3,646 fans at the Centrium.
With the game tied 1-1 after 20 minutes, Shore's second period was one to remember. The Winnipeg, Man. native turned aside all 21 shots he faced as Red Deer was outshot 21-5 in the frame.
Jaxon Fuder scored his sixth of the year 7:13 into the third and Matthew Gard notched his second tally of the game 5:33 later to open up a 3-1 lead. Sylvan Lake product Talon Brigley assisted on all three Rebels' goals and was named the game's second star.
After allowing a Cougars goal 11:49 into the first, Shore held the visitors off the score sheet until the final minute, when Carson Carels scored on the power play with 52 seconds left in the game to cut the deficit to a goal.
Rebels head coach Dave Struch said at practice on Thursday that Shore brings a new element to the club.
"He brings energy, work ethic and compete. He's a young guy and has a bright future because of those things," said Struch.
"The guys play hard for him. He's positive in the dressing room and that's good for us. ... He's already familiar to the group. He has some experience here, so he knows what it's like and what to expect every day."
The Rebels will host the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday at 7 p.m.
