Most of us grew up with hockey being a Canadian game with Canadian players. Not a big deal for us as we are in an international American-Canadian city and an original six team. Most of our beloved heroes and coaches were and still are Canadians like Gordie, Stevie and Mike Babcock.

Last night's season opener had an American side twist. A 19 year old from Waterford dazzled the crowd with an assist then a goal in his first NHL game while a new coach born in Detroit led the team to a 4-0 win over the Maple Leafs coached by who? Mike Babcock. Congrats to Dylan Larkin and Jeff Blashill. You even overshadowed Justin Abdelkader's hat trick.