INNISFAIL – Innisfail Eagles forward Ty Clay is returning for a third season and using his experience to help the Birds earn two points every game.
Clay, 23, grew up just north of Caroline and played hockey in Eckville. He continued his junior hockey days playing in Camrose and Okotoks in the Alberta Junior Hockey League before he landed in Innisfail with the Eagles.
“They've all been pretty good years,” said Clay of his time with the Birds. “The best thing I like is the people around here. The people in town, with the team and management, the coach and the players. There's a lot of good people around here.”
During his time with the Eagles Clay has found himself on a line with some key veteran players.
“Me and Pete Vandermeer have been together quite a bit, all of this year so far and most of last year,” he said. “There's been a few different centremen and some new guys playing with us at centre, so it's been good.”
The young forward noted some areas he focuses on to help his team each game.
“I've got pretty good speed and a fairly good shot,” said Clay. “I'm more of an offensive kind of guy.
“Whatever me and my linemates can do every night to help the team win,” he added.
Clay noted much of his success in hockey comes from the support he receives from his parents and head coach Brian Sutter.
“They've been everywhere with me and they still come to a lot of these games. They've been great,” said Clay of his parents.
“(Sutter's) knowledge of the game is so good and he's always willing to help guys one on one. If you have a question he'll help you.”
With a strong team of veterans and rookies this year, Clay said he's looking forward to a rewarding season.
“I think we're off to a good start so far. We got a lot of new, young guys and hopefully we can end up at the end of the year where we want to be,” said Clay. “That's winning the whole deal.”
Ty Clay
"Whatever me and my linemates can do every night to help the team win."
