'EXCITED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY'

Tonight, a dream becomes reality.
For years Matt Coronato has envisioned what it would be like to play his first NHL game. Leading the team out in warmups for the 'rookie lap', the nerves and excitement of the first shift, and playing in front of a packed crowd.
All that and more awaits.

"Feeling good," he said in front of a packed media scrum this morning at the Scotiabank Saddledome. "It's been kind of like I said earlier, the guys have been awesome in making me feel comfortable. I've been here for a few weeks around the guys which has helped a lot.
"It's definitely important (to soak in the experience), I think it's also hard to do that. A lot of the guys have been telling me to make sure that I'm soaking it all in. It can be tough because you go out and play a hockey game but it is important to do that."
"I just want to help the team in any way I can. Just go out and help the team win, work my hardest."

Coronato signed with the Flames on March 26 after spending the past two seasons with Harvard, collecting 72 points in 68 games. Since putting pen to paper on his entry-level deal, the 20-year-old has leaned on guys such as Dillon Dube and Jakob Pelletier to learn the ropes of what the grand stage brings.
"He's (Dube) been really like a mentor for me. He's been showing me around and he's been huge," Coronato said. "I've had a lot of practices with Pelts, he's a great kid. Having a lot of fun with him … I'm excited for the opportunity.
"He (Dube) keeps reminding me not to be nervous, just go out and play my game. Talk about earning the opportunity and things like that to help me settle in."
There's been a lot of buzz and anticipation ever since he was drafted 13th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, and rightfully so. With a blistering shot and high-end skill, Flames fans have been eager to see what he brings in live action.
As projected from this morning's skate, Coronato is expected to slot in alongside Nazem Kadri and Pelletier.
"Enjoy it," Pelletier said on his advice to Coronato. "The main goal since we were three or five is to play here, right? Just enjoy it.
"He's a sniper, he's fast also. For me and him it's for us to buzz for tonight's game."
Of course his NHL debut wouldn't be complete with having those who have supported him this entire journey, his parents - who will be in attendance tonight.
"It means everything," Coronato said. "They've done so much to help me get to this point. Being able to get them out here means a ton.
"Just really excited when I called both of them. They were really happy and looked into getting out here right away. I'm glad it all worked."