Brandon Manning was still pinching himself two hours after suiting up for the Philadelphia Flyers in this first NHL game.
"I grew up dreaming of playing in the NHL and the last couple of years it's becoming a reality," said Manning over the phone from Philadelphia after the Flyers' 5-0 win over the Florida Panthers on Thursday. "You don't really think it's going to happen until it actually does. Even once you get the call you don't know if you're going to play or not. It's pretty special."
Manning said he's thrilled his first game was at home in front of the famous Philadelphia fans.
"Philly has unbelievable fans and there's probably six rows deep of people standing at the glass," said the 21 year old. "I think I was a little more nervous for warmup then for the actual game itself. Once I got out there I was fine though, the nerves came down and it was just great to play in front of the home fans my first game."
Manning played one season with the BCHL's Prince George Spruce Kings before making his mark in the Western Hockey League with the Chilliwack Bruins, where he served as captain during the 2010-2011 season. When he was 16 Manning played major midget hockey with the Cariboo Cougars.
In his NHL debut, Manning was paired on the Flyers' blueline with veteran Andreas Lilja, who he was very familiar with since they played together in Adirondack for the Phantoms as part of Lilja's recuperation from injury.
"He's an older guy that's been around a long time," said Manning. "He made it very easy and simple for me tonight. I can't say enough about the guys on the back-end helping me out. It made it real easy for me."
After the game, Flyers' coach Peter Laviolette stopped by Manning's stall in the dressing room.
"He just came up and shook my hand and said I did a great job," said Manning. "Everyone was happy for me. I had lots of praise from all the guys around the room and the coaches. It makes you feel good about yourself."
As of Thursday evening, Manning said all indications were he'd be in the Flyers' lineup when they play tonight in Toronto against the Maple Leafs in the 4 p.m. PST game, which will be televised nationally on Hockey Night in Canada.
Manning said ever since news of his call-up to the Flyers leaked out he's received many calls, texts and messages on social media.
"The phone's been pretty crazy here," he said. "I'm still trying to catch up and make sure I get back to everybody in time. There's lots of people I've played with and family members and people from the hometown that are supporting me. Hopefully, they know how much they mean to me. I couldn't be where I am without my family supporting me, my mom and dad, my sisters, everyone's been great for me."
