Gord Bell has taken what could be his last lap around Westlock ice in a competitive hockey game.
Bell, who hails from the Westlock area and played parts of seven seasons in the Central Hockey League, a mid-level professional league in the United States, took to the ice during the Westlock senior ‘AA’ Warriors’ 7-4 home-ice win over the Whitecourt Wild on Jan. 3.
“I’ve had a good and long career that was cut short by injury,” he said after the game. “I’ve come full circle. It’s pretty special.”
Bell said playing in the game was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment thing, but had also been planned for. He was in the area to visit his family, but had checked the Warriors’ schedule to see if he’d be able to get into a game.
After getting in touch with Warriors coach Joe Kuhar, and letting Kuhar work out the proper approvals, Bell was lacing up his skates in front of friends and family in his hometown once again.
Although it was a special moment for him, Bell admitted he was not completely on his game.
“My timing was off,” he said. “I’m out of shape after not playing for a year.”
Knowing he wouldn’t be up to the level that kept him in the pro leagues until suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury derailed his career, he said he needed to get back to fundamentals.
“I had low expectations, and instead focused on being strong on my skills, like faceoffs,” Bell said, adding he also wanted to avoid the penalty box, but the refs had other ideas.
Knowing it could be his last game at home, Bell said he wanted to score a goal. He wasn’t able to light the lamp one more time, chalking that up to perhaps over thinking things, but he did manage to record an assist on Evan Kuhar’s goal early in the second period.
Although the game was styled as Bell’s last game in front of the home crowd, he did say it’s possible he could become a more permanent member of the Warriors. He explained he’s in the process of applying for a local job, and if he got it he could become a regular Warrior.
For coach Kuhar, it was “awesome” having Bell for one night.
“It was nice to help support a local guy’s wishes to round out his career,” he said.
Bell brought calmness to the game, Kuhar said, explaining he was able to settle things down and make sure the Warriors didn’t rush things.
“At this level, it’s not all about speed,” he said. “It’s more about puck smarts and controlling the game and the play.”
