Axel Sandin Pellikka more than thrilled ahead of Red Wings debut
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings rookie Axel Sandin Pellikka appeared more than thrilled to be making his NHL debut in a recent interview ahead of tonight's home opener.
The Montreal Canadiens are in town for the first game of the Detroit Red Wings Centennial season, with the pre-game opening ceremony starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Many players will make their Red Wings debut tonight, such as Michael Brandsegg-Nygaard, Emmitt Finnie, Axel Sandin Pellikka, and John Gibson.
Ahead of the game, Sandin Pellikka shared some interesting comments.
Sandin Pellikka Opens Up On NHL Debut In Interview
On Thursday morning, following a practice at Little Caesars Arena, the rookie couldn't hide his excitement about playing his first game with the Wings, two years after being drafted 17th overall.
Here's what he said about how he felt when he learned he made the final roster after training camp:
"A lot of excitement, for me and my family. It's a dream come true. As a kid you want to play in the NHL. Just getting a chance to do it tonight is going to be very cool, and I'm looking forward to it."
He will have many family members in the stands tonight, and he's looking forward to that special moment:
"My family is coming in: my dad and mom, my brother and sister, and my granddad and uncle. I've got six people, and it will be fun sharing it with them."
Sandin Pellikka will be on the back end of the second power-play unit, a role that he's used to and enjoys:
"It's a fun challenge for me, playing the power play. I've always done that, so I hope I still have the qualities for that. I'm feeling good about it."
The Montreal Canadiens lost 5-2 last night against the Toronto Maple Leafs and will do all it takes to win tonight. Even though they're playing the second of back-to-back games, Sandin Pellikka will need to be tuned in to avoid giving anything to the Habs' young core, hungry for victory.
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