FALL RIVER: Twenty-four hours after scoring his first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League goal on his first very first shift in the league with the Cape Breton Eagles, Fall River’s Kian Bell was still on Cloud Nine.
Reached after his Steele Subaru Major Midgets 3-1 win over Cape Breton West Islanders 3-1 in Port Hood on Feb. 13–a game in which he scored twice and assisted on one—Bell was still reflecting on his accomplishment from the night before.
Bell scored the first goal for the Eagles in a 4-1 win Feb. 12 over the Halifax Mooseheads at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, a game in which his family and friends were among the limited crowd in attendance.
The round 13, number 228 pick in the 2019 Draft, said he was simply happy the Eagles put him in the lineup. He was called up for the game earlier in the day.
“It was an amazing opportunity and experience,” said Bell by text. “The fact that my family and friends were there made it super special, and the goal obviously topped it off.
“I’m still kind of processing what exactly happened, and I think it will take a couple days to actually set in. It was the most fun I have ever had, and I enjoyed every second of it.”
Bell talked about the shift that led to the goal, and a 1-0 lead a lead the Eagles never surrendered.
“I was pumped, we had a good shift with a couple chances, so I was happy with that for my first actual shift, but then the puck just bounced to the slot and I was right there,” said Bell. “I knew I had to be quick to pick my spot then I just let it go and it found the net.
“I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming or not because it felt too good to be true.”
Local hockey fans are hoping there will be more QMJHL red lights in this talented forward’s future with the Eagles.
