Its one thing for Matt Read, the overage rookie, to play his first NHL game on Thursday night in Boston for the Flyers.
Its another for the 25-year-old grad from Bemidji State to play knowing that TSN senior hockey analyst Bob McKenzie picked him to win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.
McKenzies Tweet on Tuesday went out to more than 210,000 followers:
Nobody asked, but I am picking 25-year-old Matt Read of PHI to win this year's Calder Trophy as top rookie in the NHL.
How did Read take this news?
It surprised me, but I didnt think much of it, Read said. Its just someones opinion. It doesnt really count. Ive got to worry about myselfdo my job and work hard every minute on the ice.
Nonetheless, Read heard about it all day from friends.
NHL
I got a couple texts from friends who said, hey did you see this? Read said. I didnt know what they were talking about so I checked it out myself. Its cool to get the recognition and everything but its preseason. Now the regular season starts.
Let the hype begin.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net