Matthew Stienburg makes NHL debut with Colorado Avalanche vs Boston Bruins

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.”

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.