Talk about a successful debut.
Nico Myatovic of Prince George had a memorable first game with the Seattle Thunderbirds scoring twice on his first two shots during Tuesday’s 4-2 win against Tri-City.
The former Cariboo Cougar has been chomping at the bit to play again since his rookie season at the U-18 level was cut short due to the pandemic.
“You know, I have been waiting a year to play games here. When we had the OK that the season was going ahead everyone was ecstatic and when I got the call down here I was super happy.”
“I am glad I could come down and make an impact right away.”
LISTEN: Myatovic’s first goal in a Thunderbirds uniform.
Myatovic was not named to the Seattle roster when the shortened 24-game season began for all US Division teams, but a series of transactions opened the door for him.
The 16-year-old, 6th round bantam pick in 2019, noted it’s been a bit of a whirlwind after getting the call from General Manager Bil LaForge.
“Bil gave me a call one afternoon when I was just waking up and he was saying they were going to bring me down, went straight into quarantine and was super excited. I was getting off the ice with the Cariboo Cougars and then I was able to do some workouts to stay in shape so that when I came to Seattle I was able to get going pretty fast.”
Being able to score on his first WHL shot on Americans’ netminder Talyn Boyko help dissipate any pre-game nerves that may have existed.
“The adrenaline was pumping, it was pumping all game after that and then the second one added to that, It was a special night for me.”
LISTEN: Myatovic’s second goal of his debut
They say the best offense is a great defense and Myatovic’s first career goal was a product of a very routine defensive play.
“It was a nice rim by our defenseman and I was just going to go hard out to their blueline, chip the puck out, and was able to get a partial break. It was a good drive to the net by Keltie (Jeri-Leon) and I was able to find my backhand and go around the goalie.”
The local product is quite proud of his roots along with all the people that helped him along during his days with Prince George Minor Hockey.
“I am super proud of where I have come from, playing in Prince George all my life. I didn’t have to move anywhere to play for another team so it was pretty special to go through all the teams and coaches, teammates, and memories I have made over the years. It’s so special and I am thankful for everyone who has been a part of it.”
Seattle is more than holding its own in the US Division, carrying a record of 7-5-0-0, a point ahead of the Portland Winterhawks for second place.
Last February, Myatovic signed his WHL Player Agreement with Seattle in his hometown.
Myatovic and the T-Birds host the Everett Silvertips tomorrow (Friday).
.@Nicomyatovic of @cariboocougars chats with @mypgnow after signing with @SeattleTbirds the team that selected him in the @TheWHL Bantam Draft last spring #CityOfPG #sports #DefendTheNorth pic.twitter.com/HarjeuChYM
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) February 4, 2020
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