Crazy Week for Vause

(Portraits by Deena) 

It's been quite a week for outgoing Broncos Captain Taylor Vause.

He wrapped up his WHL career with two emotional games on the weekend, signed an amateur tryout contract with the American Hockey League's Texas Stars, played his first professional game and was nominated for a WHL Award.

"It's been a completely whirlwind of events," Vause said. "It's been crazy trying to get from one place to the next. The first day I played (Monday) was probably the longest day of my life... Once I got there and kinda got around the room and meeting some of the guys, they made me feel comfortable for sure."

Vause credits Broncos Coach/GM Mark Lamb for working hard to get him into the Dallas Stars organization. Lamb is a former Stars Assistant Coach.

Vause's first career professional game was a 5-2 loss to the Abbotsford Heat, the AHL affiliate of the team he grew up watching in Calgary. He went pointless with a shot on goal and an even +/- rating. While playing pro hockey is a dream come true, Vause is also focused on the earning a contract for next season

"Now it becomes trying to make a difference and trying to stand out," Vause said. "Just taking the opportunity that I'm going to get here." 

The Stars are in Oklahoma City tonight to play Edmonton's AHL affiliate, the Oil Barons.

Vause was also honoured to find out this week that he is the Eastern Conference nominee for the WHL Humanitarian Award.

"I've always been proud of my work with the community," Vause said. "It's nice to see the reecognition with that nomination."

He will go up against Brendan Gallagher of the Vancouver Giants for the award.

Groenheyde playing goal for Allen

Meanwhile, recently graduated Broncos goaltender Jon Groenheyde made his Central Hockey League debut last night.

He stopped 25 shots as his Allen Americans lost 2-1 to Arizone.

They are in Wichita tomorrow. 

Interview with Taylor Vause: