Toninato’s career off to rough start

NASHVILLE, TENN.» Center Dominic Toninato got the call Thursday night while preparing to fall asleep in San Antonio. The Avalanche requested his services, and he was told plans were in place to meet the team here in Nashville, where he would make his NHL debut Saturday night against the Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

Toninato’s first call was to his parents in Duluth, Minn. “My mom got a little teary,” he said before the game.

Toninato’s mother undoubtedly became emotional midway through the first period, when he was crushed against the wall by Predators fourth-line forward Austin Watson in what appeared to be a dirty hit. Dominic suffered a head/neck injury, and Watson was given a boarding major and game misconduct. Dominic missed the rest of the first period but returned for the second, to the delight of his parents, who flew in for the game from Duluth.

Toninato, who captained Minnesota Duluth to the NCAA championship game in April to complete a four-year career with the Bulldogs, arrived at the team hotel Friday within 10 minutes of the team. He went to dinner with some new teammates and had his first NHL morning skate Saturday.

“Pretty crazy 24 hours from getting the call and making the trip,” Toninato, 23, said after the skate. “Obviously, I’m very excited. There’s some nerves there, but I’m definitely very excited. It’s a very exciting time for the whole family.”

Toninato produced six points (three goals) in 13 games for the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League. Avs coach Jared Bednar said the firstyear professional was considered for an opening-night roster spot.

“He really grew for me over the course of training camp. By the end of camp he was pushing to make our hockey club,” Bednar said. “Obviously, the roster gets set and he gets sent down. But we’ve liked what we’ve seen from him down there. He’s a hard-working guy. He’s committed to playing within the structure and is really disciplined that way. He’s big and strong and can kill penalties.”