March 31, 2010
FIFTEEN DAYS AGO, Carter Hutton took off his UMass-Lowell jersey for the last time after a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Maine Black Bears in the Hockey East Tournament.
Nine days ago, Hutton played in his first professional game with the Adirondack Phantoms after signing an amateur tryout contract earlier in the day.
And last night, Hutton pulled on a Flyers jersey and took in his first NHL game as a player - a long way from home in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and a long way from college classes in Lowell.
"It has been a bit of a whirlwind," Hutton admitted. "[Saturday] night I was playing for the Phantoms in Manchester [N.H.]. It is pretty exciting. During the day, I heard that [Johan] Backlund had gotten hurt, but I really had no idea I would be the guy getting called up."
Backlund aggravated a groin injury and was forced to leave his NHL debut after two periods Saturday in Pittsburgh. Backlund allowed two goals - both off rebounds - on 24 total shots.
Hutton is the Flyers' sixth goalie to dress for a game this season, behind Ray Emery, Brian Boucher, Michael Leighton, Jeremy Duchesne and Backlund.
Hutton, 24, said he didn't feel any extra pressure, knowing that he was just a freak tweak of the groin, a twisted ankle or a bad outing away from being in the Flyers' net.
"I think any time you get to this level, nerves come with anything," Hutton said. "When I played a college game, I always prepared myself that way. So whatever happens, it's still just hockey. You never know."
Hutton was recalled under emergency conditions on the tryout contract, so he was not paid and had no impact on the Flyers' salary cap. He only received a per diem for meal money. He only can remain on the Flyers' roster for one game - last night's 5-1 home win over the Devils - without being signed to a pro contract.
Hutton allowed 11 goals in four starts with the Phantoms after agreeing to his tryout deal on March 20. He has only played in weekend games so he can complete his business courses at UMass-Lowell this spring.
He broke the all-time records for career goals against average (2.33), shutouts (10) and save percentage (.913) at UMass-Lowell, where he played with Philadelphia-area natives Paul Worthington (Holy Ghost Prep) and Barry Goers (Council Rock North).
If Backlund isn't healthy for Thursday's game on Long Island, the Flyers could recall Duchesne from Adirondack. For now, Hutton is just enjoying the ride.
"These are guys that I have been watching for years and now I get to lace up with them," Hutton said. "I think it will sink in more after the fact. It's exciting. Right now, I'm just trying to stay focused and stay in the moment."
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