Video: Hometown boy Charlie McAvoy ready for his NHL debut at MSG

New York -- Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy grew up a saucer pass away from Madison Square Garden in Long Beach, N.Y. He was a Rangers fan as a kid and tonight he'll get a chance to play his first NHL game at the world's most famous arena.

The Rangers host the Bruins and McAvoy said he'll have plenty of friends and family in attendance. He played a game here during his collegiate career at Boston University, but this moment will have a bit more meaning.

"It's a game that I've been looking forward to," he said. "Any time you get to come home and play in a building like this where you grew up going to games, it means a lot and it's special, so I'm excited for tonight."




McAvoy discusses his NHL debut at MSG from Boston Sports Journal on Vimeo.

Even Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy is excited for the rookie.

"He's from the area, it's a rivalry game at Madison Square Garden, so I'm imagine he's going to be jacked to play, as long as it doesn't get too much ahead of him in that regard, but I don't think anything really does with Charlie. If it does, he's able to reel it in quickly. I'm looking forward to see what he's got tonight."