The Port Hope Predators hope that Billy Stone is the answer to their prayers.

Since November, the team has searched for a Number 1 goalie that could backstop the team with consistency. General Manager Tim Clayden believes he’s found the right man for the job in Stone, who the Preds recently acquired from the Halifax Wolverines of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League in exchange for future considerations.

A native of Foresters Falls, ON, Stone got his Preds career off to an impressive start on Jan. 3 when he stopped 47 of 48 shots to help lead Port Hope to a 4-1 win over the Kingston Voyageurs.

“Billy had an outstanding game,” said Clayden. “He’s a good goalie and he’s excited and happy to be here.”

Stone hopes to lead his new team to a championship while earning a scholarship for next season. He said he would like to pursue a career as a lawyer, but for now his focus is hockey.

“I’m not a very big guy. I try to stay strong on the puck and use my quickness. I want to bring consistency, so they know what they’re getting from Billy Stone each game.”

The Predators will certainly be happy if Stone continues to provide performances like his debut. But it almost didn’t happen. On his way back from Halifax, Stone had to wait for his goal equipment at the airport in Ottawa, only to be told it had been misplaced and wouldn’t be returned to him for two weeks. That sparked a flurry of activity in Port Hope as the Preds, and Stone’s father, gathered used equipment for him to use that night. The way he handled that setback only strengthened Clayden’s view that the Preds have found their man.

“It’s really refreshing when you pick up a kid that’s a clean liver, a good character kid that wants to be here and who is playing hockey for the right reasons.”