Living the dream for 100 games
Canucks blue-liner Ben Hutton reflects on his first couple of years of life in the NHL
The Vancouver Canucks have had some tough nights during Ben Hutton’s time with the team, but the smiling sophomore has never had a bad day living out his childhood dream in the NHL.
Earlier this month, Hutton appeared in his 100th NHL game, against the Leafs at Rogers Arena on Dec. 3. He sat down with Jeff Paterson to discuss the First 100, life on the road, signing a second contract and trying to squeeze Christmas into a quick break in the schedule.
Q They say time flies when you’re having fun. Is that true? Did you get to 100 in a hurry?
A Oh, my goodness. It was so quick I didn’t even know it was my 100th game until I was on the bench and they showed it on the Jumbotron. I had no idea. Usually 100 games is a pretty big one and I didn’t notice it until midway through the game. It went really quick. It feels like yesterday I was sitting in this stall, not saying a word and just looking around, and being amazed that I was in a locker-room with the Sedins.
What do you remember about your debut, when you look back now?
It was in Calgary. I was pretty nervous. I was on the bench and I was shaking. (Dan) Hamhuis actually came up to me and said, “Kid, stop shaking. It’s just hockey. You’re going to be fine.” I got an assist on my second or third shift and that was a good feeling to get me started on the right track.
Is there one game that stands out among the 100?
Ottawa (the nearest NHL rink to his hometown of Brockville, Ont.) was a pretty special moment for me. Both times I’ve played there. Playing in New York was cool because I scored my first goal (against the Islanders at Barclays Center), and everyone remembers their first goal, so that one sticks out for me.
Any of the buildings stand out for any particular reasons?
Edmonton’s new rink. I was like, “Holy smokes, this is top-notch and first class.” I really like Montreal’s because it has so much character. And obviously, Madison Square Garden as well.
When you have time off on the road, have you done any exploring?
For sure. I love doing that. Even if it’s a practice day and you have a couple of hours before dinner, I love going sightseeing. In Washington, I saw the White House and I’ve done some things like that. I like getting to see a city rather than just sitting in the arena or at the hotel.
Have you have ever been to Las Vegas?
No, I haven’t. So that’ll be interesting for me. I’ve heard it’s quite the time. It’ll be different because we’ll be there to play hockey, but I’m excited to go.
Christmas is coming up quickly. You guys have a couple of days off. Are you heading home for Christmas?
Nope.
Did you get home last Christmas, as a rookie?
No. I was here. I had Christmas dinner with (Chris) Tanev and (Jacob) Markstrom. We all had some family in town. But it was weird FaceTiming my grandparents — well, attempting to FaceTime my grandparents, my sister had to show them how to do it (laughs). Opening presents over FaceTime was a little different. Hopefully they like my presents this year. I sent some pretty good gifts home.
You got your gift about a month ago when you signed your new contract (two-year/$5.6 million US).
Yeah, that’s right. That was nice.
If I’m not mistaken, you were on the road when you put pen to paper. Where did you sign the contract?
We were in Arizona and I was at the rink. I was actually in (equipment manager) Pat O’Neill’s little cubicle where he manoeuvres all the skates and sticks. I was right there and Jayson Megna came over and asked what I was doing with all that paper. I didn’t want to tell him, so I just made up some excuse. And he looked at me like I had two heads.
Your smile was going to give it away, I’m sure. So you had to come up with a story until the news was released?
I signed it and a couple of guys knew, but it wasn’t announced yet. So one of the trainers tried to cover for me and told some of the players it was my birthday. The guys that knew went along with it, and it was pretty funny.
Check out the latest Pat-cast — the weekly Canucks podcast featuring Jeff Paterson and Jason Botchford — at theprovincepodcasts.com.