North Bay’s Ken Appleby got an amazing phone call yesterday, when the New Jersey Devils called him up from the Albany Devils.
Appleby leads the Devils AHL affiliate with 16 wins and a 2.44 goals against average along with a .909 save percentage.
His Mom, Tina Appleby, expressed her excitement on Facebook late Wednesday night.
“Well I can honestly say that there is nothing that makes us more proud than getting the phone call yesterday morning from this big guy telling us that he got called up to the NHL New Jersey Devils,” stated Tina on Facebook.
“We are beyond proud of you Ken. We all knew you would be there some day. This is what you've worked so hard for. It seems so surreal, yet we look at the Devil's roster and there's your name. We'll be watching the game tonight and on Saturday.
“We love you Ken. Both sets of your Grandparents are smiling down on you. They'll be with you sitting on your shoulders.”
Appleby’s ascent has been impressive after signing with the Devils in 2015 with the Devils East Coast League affiliate team in Adirondack.
Appleby spoke with BayToday back in February where he admitted he’s pleased with his development.
“Until you get there and you have a long career in the NHL, there is always room to grow,” Appleby told BayToday’s Ken Pagan in early February.
See that story: Appleby getting closer to the NHL
Appleby joins the team today for a road game in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche.
The last North Bay player to dress for a National Hockey League game was Craig Rivet back in the 2010-11 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
He will be the first North Bay goalie since Steve Shields to dress for an NHL game. Shields last action was in the NHL was with the Atlanta Thrashers back in 2005-2006.
