The two NCAA rookies will get to experience their first NHL game tonight.
The Carolina Hurricanes will be making a few more dreams come true tonight as both Jackson Blake and Bradly Nadeau will be making their NHL debuts.
With the Canes already locked into their playoff position, the team elected to sit some starters, so the chance for the rookies to come in became evident.
Here's what they along with their head coach Rod Brind'Amour had to say about the opportunity:
Rod Brind'Amour
On what he hopes to see from the debuts: I hope it's a good experience. I hope they play well, obviously, and have a great memory. That's really what it's about for this game for them. First game, you want to have something special happen. It'd be great."
On being able to see the young talent: We're excited about these players. The future is bright when you have good, young talent. Not that we don't have old, good talent, we have a good group obviously, but it's nice to see that these kids are coming.
Jackson Blake
On his emotions: It's exciting for sure. Obviously you dream of playing your first game in the NHL as a kid and for it to become reality tonight is super emotional for me and my family and I can't wait.
On who will be in attendance: Two of my siblings will be here, my younger sister and younger brother, and then both my parents will be here. So it will be a pretty special night for not only me, but them as well.
On any advice he's received from his father: I haven't talked to him yet. I kind of just found out before morning skate. I'm sure I'll call him before the game and he'll give me his two cents on everything. We'll see what he says.
On having other rookies also making debuts alongside him: It's been a huge help to have Scottie [Morrow] and Bradly [Nadeau] here. Obviously we're all pretty much in the same boat, playing college and then coming here. We've been sticking together these last couple of weeks we've been together and it's made it easier on me to know that I'm not the only guy going through the things that I've gone through. It's been super awesome to have both those guys here.
Bradly Nadeau
On his emotions: I think it's going to be a big night tonight. It's something everyone dreams of and hopefully I'll get the most of it and just have fun and hopefully help the team get a win here.
On how helpful having fellow rookies on the team has been: It helps a lot and makes it easier. You know you're not the only one going through it and also we're living together so it makes it a lot easier and he's making his debut too so that should be exciting doing it together.
On the messages from the coaching staff: They told me to shoot the puck. Just go out there and have fun and see how it goes. So that's what I'll do and I'll see how it turns out.
On if he'll have anyone in attendance: I don't think so. I think when I told them it was a bit too late for them to make the trip. But they'll be watching and it will be fun.
