Dan Sexton got the call at about 10 p.m. Thursday night and it didn’t take long for his clan to mobilize for his NHL debut, which would take place near his home of Apple Valley, Minn.
The Ducks made the official announcement Friday, recalling Sexton following the news that winger Teemu Selanne would be out for four-to-six weeks because of a broken left hand.
“It was just crazy,” Sexton said. “I called some people and word spread pretty fast. I had a lot of friends here. It was pretty cool seeing them in warmups and stuff.”
It’s been a whirlwind year for the Bowling Green product, who was signed as a free agent in April and started the season at the club’s ECHL affiliate in Bakersfield. Sexton put up 13 goals and 26 points in 18 games for the Condors before being assigned to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL.
Sexton, who played on the second line in the 5-4 shootout loss to the Wild, called it a dream come true to play his first game in his hometown with his parents, John and Janet, in the stands along with many other friends and relatives.
“My mom was crying and stuff when they found out,” he said. “My dad and mom have been the biggest supporters my whole life. It’s pretty cool to be able to share it with them and give back to them for everything they’ve done for me.”
The diminutive Sexton made an impression on the Ducks’ brass during training camp with his speed and agility on the ice. Like many other prospects, he wound up in Bakersfield because the club is without an AHL affiliate this season.
“I was expecting to play the whole year in the AHL,” Sexton said. ”That’s what I was told. To be able to jump up as far as I have is definitely cool. I’m really fortunate.
“Obviously guys are getting hurt, which is not good for the team. I hope I can step in, fill a void and do my best to fill in for whoever is hurt until they get back or if I can earn a spot. It’s definitely cool.”
Post from: Ducks blog
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