Colten Ellis of River Denys made 27 saves for record his first career NHL victory in his league debut against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., on Wednesday. CONTRIBUTED/BUFFALO SABRES X ACCOUNT Buffalo Sabres X AccountArticle contentColten Ellis has etched his name into the Cape Breton sports record book with his first career NHL start on Wednesday night.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe River Denys product made 27 saves, backstopping the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.Article contentArticle contentAlong with earning his first career victory, Ellis also made history becoming the first goaltender from Cape Breton to ever play in an NHL game.Article contentArticle contentEllis is the eighth Nova Scotia-born goalie in NHL history and the ninth netminder in Sabres history to record a victory in his NHL debut.Article content“It’s huge for me, but it’s also huge for everybody in my family,” said Ellis in a post-game interview with the media.Article content“They’ve made so many sacrifices to help me get to this moment. And there’s so many supporters, too many to name. It’s been crazy, the support I’ve had since I was young, that played instrumental roles and helped me get to where I am.”Article contentEllis, who was claimed off waivers by the Sabres from St. Louis on Oct. 6, made several key saves in the contest, despite the Red Wings not recording their first shot on goal until the 10:16 mark of the first period.Article contentEntering the game, the Red Wings had won five of their first six games and were sitting in the top six in the Eastern Conference standings with 10 points.Article contentArticle contentJack Quinn had a goal and two assists while Jason Zucker, Josh Doan and Tyson Kozak netted goals for the Sabres (3-4-0-0).Article contentJ.T. Compher and Emmitt Finnie replied with goals for the Red Wings (5-2-0-0).Article contentDetroit’s John Gibson turned aside 27 of 31 shots.Article contentEllis becomes the 27th Cape Bretoner to suit up for an NHL game behind Dave Amadio, Paul (Jigger) Andrea, Paul Boutilier, Nelson Burton, Tony Currie, Doug Doull, Trevor Fahey, Craig Ferguson, Norm Ferguson, John (Junior) Hanna, William (Flash) Hollett, Aaron Johnson, Andrew MacDonald, Parker MacDonald, Al MacInnis, Donald MacLean, Al MacNeil, Tommy McCarthy, Bill McDougall, Mike McPhee, Kevin Morrison, Daniel Poliziani, Logan Shaw, Bobby Smith, Sandy Snow and Doug Sulliman.Article contentAlfie LeJeune of North Sydney refereed 725 career NHL games.Article contentEllis and the Sabres will return to the ice on Friday when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs at 8 p.m., Atlantic time, at KeyBank Center. The game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet One and TVA Sports.Article content
Making history in the crease: Buffalo Sabres Colten Ellis becomes first Cape Breton-born goaltender to play, earn a victory in the NHL
