Ferguson making impression in Vegas, expected to return soon

Sep 18, 2017 | 5:21 PM

KAMLOOPS — Blazers’ starting netminder Dylan Ferguson is expected to return to Kamloops in time for the season-opening weekend against Kelowna, but for now he’s having a good time with the Vegas Golden Knights. 

Ferguson played the entire preseason game on Sunday in Vancouver, a convincing 9-4 win for the Golden Knights, their first NHL preseason game ever. The 18-year-old faced 33 shots and allowed four goals, but looked solid with an .879 save percentage. 

“I didn’t see the first period, but saw the second and third period. I thought he did really well,” said Hay. “I think it been real positive for him. He goes there as an unsigned, drafted player and gets to play in their exhibition. He won their first two games. He won a game as a rookie and he won the game in the exhibition. I’m sure he’s made a good first impression.”

Hay expects Ferguson as well as defenseman Ondrej Vala back with the Blazers for the home-and-home vs. the Rockets. Kamloops is in Kelowna for Friday night’s season-opener before returning to the Sandman Centre on Saturday for the home-opener.

“We’re hoping Ferguson and Vala will be available,” said Hay. “[Garrett] Pilon, their camp got going a little bit late, so Washington might want to have a little bit longer look at him. But I think you’ll see both Vala and Ferguson back before the end of the week.”

The Blazers come into the regular season after a 2-2-0-1 record.