Ostapchuk's NHL debut

Making your NHL debut is a moment no NHL player forgets and Zack Ostapchuk was no different after getting the call from Senators Associate GM, Ryan Bowness that he would be making his debut Tuesday night.

In his first AHL season, Ostapchuk has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in his brief tenure. In 38 games this season, Ostapchuk has 13 goals and added nine assists for 22 points, utilizing his size, strength and range to fluster opponents every time he hits the ice.

While an NHL debut is a milestone for the players themselves, it's also a huge moment to celebrate those that sacrificed to get to this point. Something that wasn't lost on Ostapchuk as he spent time speaking about his mom who was his sole transportation to hockey from the time he was 14 and sacrificed a lot to see him reach his dream. 

TSN reporter had the chance to catch up with Ostapchuk's mother Charlene in the stands during the game.

"It's his dream, it's what it's all about all those early mornings," said Charlene Ostapchuk when asked what was going through her mind during Zack's rookie lap. "He just loves the game it's his passion, we're happy to be a part of Ottawa and for this experience. He's living the dream."

"I was speechless, I was choked up I'm like I can't believe it's finally happening."

Ostapchuk left his mark on the game in his debut with 12:44 of ice time and tallying a pair of shots. The most impressive part of his debut came in overtime when he got the tap to hit the ice and looked up to see Sidney Crosby coming down the ice. He forced a turnover on Crosby saving the Sens chances and leading to the overtime winner from Drake Batherson.

Safe to say a night that Ostapchuk, his friends and family, and Sens fans alike will remember for a long time.