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Prospect Max Sasson addressed the media on Friday following his first NHL call-up, discussing his emotions and the person he contacted initially upon receiving the news.

The Vancouver Canucks will warm up at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on Saturday night, with prospect Max Sasson making his NHL debut on a single lap.

Max Sasson is now experiencing a thrilling period in his career. He was signed in the spring of 2023 as an undrafted free agent from Western Michigan University.

Max Sasson will be joined by his family in Ottawa for an emotional night after finally receiving the call-up he has been anticipating. He had a solid first professional hockey season in 2023–24 and a nice start to this year.

Max Sasson opens up about his heartfelt conversation with his dad
After Friday’s practice, Max Sasson spoke with reporters about his emotions following his NHL call-up and revealed who he contacted first upon hearing the news from Ryan Johnson, the general manager of the Abbotsford Canucks.

According to Sasson, who broke down in tears and screams when he told his dad the news, his dad is his biggest fan and supporter. Sasson then called him to break the news.

When our general manager, RJ Ryan Johnson, texted me when I was in Henderson with the AHL team, saying, “give me a call when you can,” I took it as excellent news. I was called up, I was going to play in my first game on Saturday, and he told me it’s his favourite call to make. I was really emotional. It’s already starting to sink in, but it’s worth reflecting on all the times I’ve spent at the rink as a kid and the impact I’ve had on my loved ones and fans. It was a memorable day. It was Sasson who stated it.

“I called my dad,” he continued. He’s one of my most ardent supporters. He began to scream and cry despite being there the entire time. This was no ordinary phone call. He’s been there the entire time, along with my entire family, and it feels like this is his first game as well. It was fantastic since I was able to contact my mum, brother, and girlfriend afterwards.

Sasson revealed that his dad had planned to accompany him, his mom, brother, girlfriend, aunt and friends to watch him play for the Abbotsford Canucks against the Henderson Silver Knights in Nevada this season. However, Sasson convinced him to instead bring them all to Ottawa.

Max Sasson’s call-up to the National Hockey League and his debut tomorrow night were topics of questioning for Rick Tocchet.

This is a unique moment, to begin with. Attendance by his father at the game. We’ve been hearing a lot about Sasson as a promising potential. He has been honing his skills over the past few years. An chance has presented itself to this diligent man, and we couldn’t be happier for him. So said Tocchet.

In his National Hockey League debut tomorrow night, Max Sasson will wear the #63. He will join Philip Larsen (2017) and Jalen Chatfield (2021) as the only players in Vancouver Canucks history to do so, according to Jeff Paterson.

Next night, at 4 pm PT, CBC viewers across the nation will be able to watch Max Sasson make his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators.