Nico Daws is letting his game do the talking as the conversation of a potential invite to Team Canada's World Junior selection camp gets louder.
It started with his 13-for-13 save performance against Team Russia in Kitchener a little over a week ago and continued on Saturday at the Sleeman Centre.
With Hockey Canada goalie consultant Fred Brathwaite and Hockey Canada program of excellence advisor Mark Hunter reportedly in the building, Daws was simply brilliant Saturday afternoon, making 26 saves in a 2-1 win over the Saginaw Spirit.
It was a case of quality over quantity, as many of the saves came from point-blank range and several came back-to-back.
"I actually didn't know that," a surprised Daws said when told of the high profile eyes in the stands. "Glad I played good then."
Daws came into the season with confidence but admits he is even "surprising myself" with the way he's been playing.
"Every game I'm playing is boosting my confidence and making me feel even better about the way I can play," he said.
"But I'm just trying to win games here. That's all I'm worried about."
Daws agreed with the quality over quantity statement.
"That was probably the hardest 27 shots I've ever faced in my life," said Daws. "They've got a good team over there so we kind of expected that coming in."
"They're definitely a powerhouse in the West. It's nice to be able to take them down with our young team. It really just proves we can beat anybody in this league if we try and if we play our best game."
The win extends Guelph's winning streak to eight games and moved them within a point of first place Flint, who was scheduled to play later Saturday night.
Guelph has also allowed the fewest goals in the OHL.
Cedric Ralph provided all the scoring with a pair of rebound goals in the second period, one of them on the power play.
"In the third period we really showed a lot of character and a lot of strength," said Ralph, agreeing that it was likely the team's biggest win of the season so far.
"Right from the first line to the fourth, everyone was battling, wanting to get the pucks in behind the net and play the system."
As for what the play of Daws meant in a game like this, Ralph said it was huge, particularly a three-save flurry in the second period with Guelph trailing 1-0 and shortly before Ralph tied it.
"It brings the morale up for sure, to see a save like that," Ralph said.
This coming week Guelph has a Tuesday night game in Kitchener then hosts the Sarnia Sting on Friday. Saturday night they play in Hamilton.
