Ryan Greene says NHL debut with Blackhawks was childhood dream come true

The hard work paid off for Ryan Greene of Paradise, who was able live out his NHL dream in the final two games of the season as part of the Chicago Blackhawks.

"It's absolutely insane. It's everything you dream of as a kid," Greene told CBC News this week from Boston.

"You've been wanting that moment for your whole life. And then, you know, getting ready to go out for your rookie lap, you … finally throw on an NHL jersey and you're looking at the Blackhawks logo. It's just, like, it's crazy."

Greene, 21, signed a three-year contract with the Blackhawks in April. He cracked the lineup for the big league club at the end of the year in games against Montreal — with fellow Newfoundlander Alex Newhook on the opposite side — and Ottawa.

But the process of making his debut was a whirlwind, he said. Greene had signed his first professional contract just hours after completing his collegiate career at Boston University. The team had lost a national championship the night before.

"It was pretty hectic. But obviously, you know, a really exciting time for me and my family. So I'm just really thankful that they were all able to be there for when I signed the contract, and then they were there for both games," he said. "I wouldn't be in this position without a lot of people."

Greene credited his Chicago teammates for giving him a warm welcome and helping him adapt to the speed of the game at the NHL level.

He joins a growing list of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to make it to the big leagues.

"I grew up, you know, idolizing players like Teddy Purcell and, you know, even guys like Alex [Newhook] and Dawson [Mercer] who are closer to my age," he said.

"They've just kind of paved the way for, you know, young hockey players in Newfoundland. So to get to play against Alex in my first game was … a very cool moment."

Greene will spend most of the summer training at Boston University. He says he hopes to return home to Newfoundland for some time off.

Looking ahead to next year, a spot on the Blackhawks roster isn't guaranteed. Greene says he'll need to earn it.

"I'm obviously going to try to go into camp next year and make a strong impression."

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