Matthew Stienburg will make his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche against the Boston Bruins and he was surprisingly calm after morning skate.
“I mean, obviously super exciting. It’s obviously a lifetime dream. You know, of any kid who plays hockey,” Stienburg said. “So to get the news last night, go through this process today — it’s really exciting coming in.”
Matt Stienburg’s rookie lap for his first ever NHL game #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/r6DR8NySnM
— Colleen Flynn (@CHNFlynn) October 17, 2024
The 24-year-old said he will have family in the stands and was trying to focus on the game at hand. He said he was nervous and excited but he hid it well. He was also excited to play with one of his idols and against another.
“Obviously, Nate (MacKinnon), Sid (Sidney Crosby) and Brad Marchand over on the other team. So I think it’s pretty cool that the first game is against him. Another Nova Scotia guy, somebody that I’ve looked up to a lot since I was little — his work ethic and everything, the way he plays the game. A lot of people aren’t a fan but I’ve always enjoyed it.”
Who Matt Stienburg idolized growing up and why that was important to know ahead of the matchup with the Bruins 🤔 pic.twitter.com/DtZoOWylUd
— Colleen Flynn (@CHNFlynn) October 17, 2024
Head coach Jared Bednar said during training camp that he was impressed with Stienburg’s advancement and how he played in exhibition games. Stienburg started the season with the Colorado Eagles and was called up Wednesday to make his debut.
“He’s off to a good start down there. See him play to his identity. He’s got some bite to his game. He’s a physical guy. Brings another penalty killer in some young legs, just changing the mix a little bit,” Bednar said.