Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence will experience a rather unique moment during exhibition matches on September 23 and 24 against the Arizona Coyotes.
Whoever was born in Australia will have the chance to play a match in their native country which will take place at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
– Read also : A new chapter begins for the Blackhawks
– Read also : Pittsburgh Penguins: Samuel Poulin met with Kyle Dubas and Jason Spezza to discuss his personal situation
“Obviously we’re going there for training camp and I have to be focused, but at the same time I plan to enjoy it when we have some free time,” Spence said Friday, whose words were reproduced on NHL.com.
Spence was born in the Sydney suburb of Manly and the family moved to Japan when he was 1 1/2 years old.
It was in Osaka that he started playing hockey before leaving again, this time in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, when he was a teenager. Moreover, his mother is from Japan, while his father is Canadian.
The defender also holds Japanese and Canadian passports. However, he wore the Unifolié colors during international competitions.
It was out of the question for his parents not to be present for this event.
“I think they’re more excited because they’ve lived there longer and they have friends that they’re going to reconnect with when they’re there and they come to watch the game,” said underlined the 22-year-old rear.
This is the second time that the former Moncton Wildcats and Val-d’Or Foreurs has returned to his native land.
The Kings’ fourth-round pick in the 2019 auction had an assist in six games last season with the California team.
He also has 30 duels of experience in the Bettman circuit and Spence has banked nine points, including two goals.