Ice Hockey
Matt Beleskey issues and emotional farewell to Blaze

Buy photos » Matt Beleskey scores against Sheffield Steelers in his final appearance for Blaze. (s) Photo by Mark Tredgold

NATIONAL Hockey League (NHL) forward Matt Beleskey has described his time with Blaze as amazing following a successful three-month spell at the Skydome.

The 24-year-old flies back to Anaheim Ducks on Friday morning with it looking increasingly likely the NHL will start in the next couple of weeks following its suspension over financial agreements.

Beleskey posted 33 points (12 goals and 21 assists) in 26 games for Blaze having arrived at the beginning of October.

"Coming over here has been really beneficial for me," said Beleskey.

"I have played a lot of minutes and that is going to help me for sure when I go back.

"I have had a fantastic time here.

"The organisation has been great with me, the fans have been amazing and I cannot thank them enough. It’s been a lot of fun."

Beleskey's last goals saw him fittingly produce the game-winner via a penalty shot before an empty-net insurance marker in the 5-3 home win over Sheffield Steelers on New Year’s Day.

The penalty shot came as the Blaze fans were finishing their applause in the 39th minute for Beleskey, who wears the number 39.

"I guess there was a little bit of fate involved in that and the applause was really cool," Beleskey added.

"It was my first penalty shot for about six years and then to get the empty-net insurance to cap the game off was great. It was a massive win for the team and hopefully they can go on a run now."

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