After solid preseason, newest Blazer McCarry complementing young core

Shaun Clouston, who coached McCarry during his rookie season in Medicine Hat in 2018-2019, likes the gritty part of his game.

“He gets to the net to score goals. He’s not a big guy, but he’s goes right to the blue paint,” said Clouston. “He finds a way to get into those areas that aren’t overly pleasant to play in and he finds a way to get the puck in the back of the net.”

The Blazers added McCarry to the roster off waivers in June, hoping for a veteran presence. A big part of the move was the relationship between the 20 year old and his former Tigers’ bench boss, Clouston.

“He called me and I was really excited about that,” said McCarry. “There’s some familiarity there, so I was really excited about that.”

Clouston added, “Originally I was a big part of recruiting him, so we liked his energy, his skill. He’s a fast player. He plays the game at a fast pace. But I hadn’t seen him in a long time. I only had him for half a season. He was in Fort McMurray as a 17 year old, then joined our team for the second half. He’s come a long way in the last two years. He’s got a little bigger. He’s got much stronger.”

During the last full season, despite 2019-20 being cut short, McCarry had 13 goals and 10 assists in 58 games. He seems poised for a breakout season in Kamloops, leading the team in preseason scoring with four goals and five assists.

“I’m feeling really good,” he said. “I met the new guys. I’ve got a few weeks in. The preseason went really well, so I’m really excited to get the season going and kicking things off this weekend.”

The Blazers home-opener is against Prince George next Saturday (Oct. 9) at Sandman Centre.

by Chad Klassen

After solid preseason, newest Blazer McCarry complementing young core

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