It was a red letter date in Prince Edward County sports history and a moment Jett Alexander will never forget.

With the Toronto Maple Leafs firmly in command of their contest against the visiting Montreal Canadiens Saturday night- Alexander-signed to an Amateur Tryout Contract earlier in the day- stepped through the door of the homes side’s bench and into the NHL record books as the first Prince Edward County native to play in an NHL game.

Alexander told the Gazette Sunday the 70 seconds he played as the Leafs wound down a 7-1 win over the Habs “felt like 10.”

(Hockey Night in Canada screen grab)

“I didn’t really have much time to think I was just focused on getting in there and not holding up the play for too long,” Alexander said.

A salary cap situation and injuries led to Toronto signing Alexander to an ATO for the game which was broadcast on Hockey Night in Canada. A one shot deal for sure as Alexander regularly toils with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and is expected to return to the ranks of Usports next season but it was a magical moment he will never forget.

“The 70 seconds felt like about 10,” Alexander said. “I was just was trying to soak it all in and enjoy every second and trying not to get scored on if I did end up getting a shot.” 

The Canadiens would never get the puck to the Leafs goal mouth and Alexander never registered a save. 

That scenario was just fine for the local as he was asked on HNIC after the game what was going through his mind in the moment he skated onto the Scotiabank Arena ice.

“Hopefully we win this defensive zone draw and hopefully they don’t get a shot,” Alexander said with a laugh. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity. It’s very special…I got 70 seconds in an NHL game so it’s pretty cool.”

Alexander, who played in the Prince Edward County Minor Hockey Association before going to AAA hockey with Quinte and later the Greater Toronto Hockey League then graduating to be a star in the Canadian Junior Hockey League with North York and Spruce Grove, BC, was able to make his brief NHL debut in front of his parents Jamie and Sandra.

“I was really lucky to have my parents and friends there to enjoy it with,”Alexander said. “I couldn’t have done what I have in hockey without their support any so it made it all the more special. Knowing they were there, looking on, is something I will never forget.”

Alexander relieved Toronto starter Ilya Samosonov and the regular Maple Leaf puckstopper seemed to be even happier than County native, giving him a hug while the call up got ready to go into the home side’s crease.

After the game, Samosonov appreciated Alexander getting his moment under the bright lights of NHL play.

“I’m so happy for him. Great to see this moment. First NHL game, doesn’t matter if it’s one minute, but big for him,” Samsonov told TSN’s Mark Masters “He come to the rink to probably sit on the bench, but he has the time for play. Thank you team, we got a chance for another dream in the world.”

After Saturday’s moment on Hockey Night in Canada, Alexander enjoyed an Easter gathering at his girlfriend’s home in Toronto. An English major, four exams are waiting the now Maple Leafs alum later this month. 

Alexander planned on hitting the books before and after the holiday meal on Sunday.

“Maybe I’ll start studying tomorrow,” he told Masters Saturday night with a trademark smile.