| November 15th , 2008 |
wheelingnailers.com |
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Former Wheeling Nailers center Cam Paddock made his NHL debut a memorable one as he scored a goal. Paddock had just been called up to the St. Louis Blues from their AHL affiliate in Peoria. Cam's goal came on his second ever NHL shift at 10:24 of the first period to give the Blues a 3-1 lead at the Chicago Blackhawks. He picked up a loose puck on the side of the net and was able to jam in the rebound to light the lamp.
Upon learning he was going to "The Show" Paddock said, “It’s been a long battle, lots of ups and downs, playing in the ECHL, fighting to get to the AHL and learning a lot about yourself as a player. Everything is flooding through my mind right now. It’s surreal. I’m so excited, and I’ve been calling my friends, calling my family, because they have all been a part of this."
“Then you immediately switch to ‘What do I have to do to stay?’ ”
Paddock hopes he found the answer to his own question by scoring that goal in his first game.
Originally drafted by the Penguins in the fifth round (#137 overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Paddock has split his six professional seasons between the ECHL and the American Hockey League.
Paddock, 25, appeared in 114 ECHL games with the Nailers between 2004 and 2006. With the Nailers, he accounted for 67 points (25g, 42a) and 160 penalty minutes.Paddock registered five points (four goals, one assist) for the Rivermen in his first 13 games of the year.
Cam is the 35th former Nailer to play in the NHL.
