Duke debut: Rookies score in familiar places to help Bolts win the first NHL game
Duke admitted as he grabbed the warm-up and smiled at some of his family and friends near the glass. Duke’s younger brother Tyler Duke played on the same ice sheet at the University of Michigan a few hours later, against Michigan State’s second place in the annual “D Duel” in D Duel in D” match, the game played at home in Detroit Red Wings.
Duke’s family already had tickets to the college competition, and suddenly there were more. His former teammates saw his first NHL goal in person with the Michigan Wolverines and his family, not far from helping to develop NHL players.
“It’s a whirlwind of emotions, come back here and start playing my first NHL game,” Duke said. “Obviously, you think about it a lot, but putting this here makes it even more special.”
Prior to Duke, only nine players in franchise history scored in NHL debuts. Duke became the first Lightning player to achieve this feat since Ross Colton scored in his first game on February 24, 2021. Current Anthony Cirelli (November 25, 2013) and Anthony Cirelli (March 1, 2018) also scored their first game Contest.
Another former Wolverine, 35-year-old forward Luke Glendening, soon found Duke University celebrating the hug on Saturday. Television radio can quickly pursue his family and friends, and they also do not hide their excitement and pride for the latest members of the Lightning Goalers Club.
They aren’t the only ones who share this excitement.
“It’s amazing. He played his first game and scored his first goal in front of his family. “It’s been an exciting time for him and we’re so happy for him and his family. He has performed well, so we’re glad he can be with us and hopefully he’ll stick with it for a longer time. ”
The Chargers have another game ahead of a game in Montreal on Sunday, where Duke can earn his second NHL.
According to Lightning coach Jon Cooper, no matter what next step is at Duke, it’s a start worth remembering.
“I learned a lot about him in the camp and he was definitely the kid who works for everyone. He was full of life. He had the positive energy of that kid everywhere. I think everyone in the organization wanted it. I saw this kid play games for lightning one day,” Cooper said.
“It turned out to be the perfect storm for him to go to college, the whole family was here, and his brother played in the building for three hours tonight four hours after our game. It was a really cool experience, and that’s it Family will never forget.”
