Andrew Cogliano will never forget his first time. It hasn't even happened yet and he already knows it's going to be something special.
"All the training and the hard work is finally paying off a bit," said the rookie forward, who makes his NHL debut tonight against San Jose.
"Even though this is the first step, and it's only one game. I think it's going to be pretty emotional, a lot of fun."
There will be nerves, and a certain amount of uncertainty until he proves he can compete and produce against the larger-than-life players he used to watch on the tube.
"It's pretty surreal playing against a guy like Joe Thornton and those guys," said the 20-year-old.
"You're used to watching them on TV and you look up to them, but it's a good experience.
"You have to make this step once in your life and this is the first one for me. It'll be a little tough. You have to keep a level head."
No. 18s stick together
Last year, there would have been several microphones in front of Craig Simpson asking him about the Oilers' newest captain. But, the former assistant coach was on his way to Calgary where he'll be holding a microphone for Hockey Night in Canada tonight.
A 'C' on Simpson's old No. 18 must look good to him?
"I hadn't really thought of that," he laughed. "But, yeah, it does!
"As far as Ethan (Moreau) goes, I think that's a great choice: Somebody who really typifies the intensity and the integrity you need in that role. Work ethic, heart, energy ... he personifies all that."
