Hometown hero T.J. Fast buried the game-winner in the Tri-City Americans' 3-2 shootout win over the Calgary Hitmen on January 19th. The meeting was the first and only time that Fast would play the Hitmen in his hometown of Calgary during the regular season. A cheering section of approximately 100, all dressed in orange, were in attendance to support Fast.

In addition to his shootout goal, Fast also had an assist to Taylor Procyshen’s second period goal. Tri-City’s other goal was scored by Jason Reese. Goal scorers for Calgary were Karl Alzner and Ian Duval.

The Calgary/Tri-City meeting wasn’t just a homecoming for Fast; he also got to play against friend and former teammate T.J. Galiardi. Both played on the rosters of the Calgary Midget North Stars and Calgary Junior A Royals, before pursuing NCAA careers.

Prior to coming to the WHL, Fast played for the University of Denver and Galiardi at Dartmouth College. The two have had successful careers thus far as budding hockey stars. Galiardi, who plays left wing, has 43 points so far in the regular season and Fast, who plays defense has 29.

Both players have also carved out NHL paths. Galiardi was drafted 55th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2007 NHL draft and Fast, who is also the captain of the American squad, was drafted 60th overall in the 2005 NHL draft by the Los Angeles Kings.

Although, Galiardi went pointless against Tri-City, he still turned heads with his intensity level, knocking down guys left, right and center. The Americans will face-off against the Vancouver Giants on January 25th, and the Hitmen travel to Cranbrook January 22nd to meet with the Kootenay Ice.