Jakob Chychrun

Arizona Coyotes' Jakob Chychrun Thrills In Anticipated NHL Debut

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Arizona Coyotes rookie defenseman Jakob Chychrun made his much-anticipated NHL debut in Arizona against the Flyers and had a night to remember.

The Arizona Coyotes took on the Philadelphia Flyers in their season opener at Gila River Arena on Saturday night.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 17,125, the Yotes came away with a 4-3 victory to start the season.

Among the new faces on the roster was 18 year-old Jakob Chychrun, the team’s 16th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft who played with the Sarnia Sting in junior hockey.

Chychrun’s name was one of five rookies announced during the boisterous pre-game festivities that included a synchronized light show. All fans were wearing a remotely-controlled bracelet featuring colored strobe lights that flashed and pulsated throughout the contest.

Like the pre-game festivities, Chychrun’s NHL debut was one for the ages, with a bit of everything.

He kept up with the pace of play, made crisp passes, hit hard, and moved the puck up from the defensive zone with skill. Every now and then however, a Philly forward would show him he still has a lot to learn.

It was late in the first period when Chychrun had his offensive moment.

After bursting through the neutral zone and gathering a leading pass, he rattled off a shot that missed wide to Steven Mason’s left.

Chychrun showed tenacity in staying with it.

He followed the shot and grabbed the puck, moving in for a wrap-around attempt that almost squeezed past Flyers goalie Steve Mason. Martin Hanzal was there to clean up, pushing the puck under Mason and giving Chychrun his first assist and NHL point of his young career.

Chychrun did show some weaknesses, most notably when he was exposed by Philadelphia’s Matt Read in the third period.

Read took the pass from Travis Konecny and faked out Chychrun, spinning the Coyotes rookie around leaving him flat on the ice. Read proceeded to move in one-on-one with Mike Smith and tie the game up, under-scoring there is still a lot the teenager can learn at this level.

Then a scary moment with about nine minutes to go in the third period sent chills through the sold-out crowd.

In pursuit of a puck deep in the Coyotes defensive zone, Chychrun became tangled with Flyers winger Dale Weise and hit the wall at a high rate of speed.

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It wasn’t just how fast he hit, it was how he hit.

Awkwardly.

It appeared the rookie blew a tire just in front of the wall. No penalty was called. His legs were up high above as he smacked into the boards, with only his head and shoulders on the ice as he made impact.

Chychrun didn’t appear to move for a minute or two.

It seemed like an eternity. Fans held their breath.

Eventually, Chychrun was helped off the ice and disappeared into the locker room. Fans were just hoping the youngster was okay. They didn’t expect to see him again that night.

But Chychrun is one tough kid. Several minutes later, he re-emerged and sat on the bench to everyone’s relief.

And then, astonishingly, Chychrun was back on the ice.

One thing’s certain. Nobody is questioning this youngster’s toughness after his performance.

The Arizona Coyotes took the 3-3 tie game into overtime, and after giving the Flyers more than two straight minutes of puck possession, ended the game on a shot from Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

After his season opening performance, Chychrun certainly impressed coaches and fans alike with his defensive capabilities and spirit.

Chychrun has the heart of an Arizona Coyote.

Welcome to the team #6.