HUMBOLDT — It has been a long time since Doug Scott had a game like he had on Family Day.
On Feb. 17, the Humboldt Broncos defenceman scored four goals. Three of them came on the powerplay. The 19-year-old from North Vancouver also recorded an assist as Humboldt downed Kindersley, 6-3.
“Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I had a four-goal game, maybe when I was 10 or 11 playing in a three-on-three tournament or something like that,” Scott said. “I don’t know the last time I had a hat trick that wasn’t in practice.”
Demonstrating the leadership he has displayed since being acquired from the British Columbia Hockey League in late November, the majority of Scott’s comments on his big night focused on his teammates, coaches, and good habits.
“A big part of the four goals I had... was due to a lot of help from my teammates,” he said. “Whether it was setting me up with good passes, providing good screens in front of Kindersley’s goalie or it was the guys taking penalties and setting up our team with another power play. Also, I think preparation [was] key with good video from our coaches and making sure I had a good night’s rest and a good breakfast before the game. All of it came together to provide me an evening I’m not soon to forget.”
In 24 games, as of Sunday, with the Broncos, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Scott has scored eight goals and accumulated 23 points. While his numbers are good, they do not demonstrate his true impact on the team.
“Doug Scott has been tremendous since he came onto our club,” Humboldt head coach Scott Barney said. “He brings a lot of experience, his toughness, his all-around game. …
“He’s been really well liked in our dressing room. He brings a lot of leadership. Just the way he competes every shift. He can play a lot of minutes. I know a lot of guys look up to him in that dressing room. He’s been great. He’s going to be a big part of the future here. I see big things for Doug Scott in the future. I think he had a strong chance of going on to play university or even have a pro career.”
The Broncos picked up Scott from the Merritt Centennials. He has quickly come to appreciate the community he now plays in.
“I like Humboldt because we are a really well-supported team by the community,” Scott said. “Whether it’s at the gym or grocery store, people seem to recognize you and either say ‘hi’ or congratulate us on a well fought game the other night.”
“Also, my billets here, the Lockes, are awesome and help me out so much with everything and I’m very appreciative of them. They support me with everything and being with them feels like I have a second family here.”
Before jumping into Junior A hockey as a 17-year-old, Scott played in New York State for the Buffalo Junior Sabres. In his first three junior seasons, he has played for four BCHL teams and the Broncos. He said there has been lots to take away from playing for different coaches. A few things that stick out to Scott are:
“The first would is to be punctual, so never being late for meetings or bus trips and any of that sort of stuff. Along with that is to be professional, although it’s still junior hockey we have tons of kids looking up to us as their role models. Setting a good example for them on and off ice is something that is always stressed upon us and for good measure it is. Lastly, I would say work ethic, it’s something that stands out and shows you want to be here and will do whatever it takes to win. My favourite quote lately is ‘if you want to look good in front of thousands, you have to outwork thousands in front of nobody.’”
