Long Beach native Charlie McAvoy had quite the homecoming this week.
On Monday afternoon, the 21-year-old NHL defenseman made an unannounced visit to Long Beach High School to surprise his sisters, Heather and Holly, during lacrosse practice, and enjoyed dinner with his family later that evening. Then, on Tuesday night, he helped the Boston Bruins defeat the Islanders, 5-0, in his first professional game at Nassau Coliseum.
McAvoy logged more than 22 and a half minutes of ice time — he’s the team leader in the category — and assisted on Sean Kuraly’s goal just 1:12 into the game to set the tone for the visitors.
“It was awesome and surreal to play in this building,” said McAvoy, who attended countless games at the Coliseum as a young hockey fan. “We played a great game from start to finish, so I’m really happy with the result and happy to be back home,” he added.
McAvoy’s sixth point in the last seven games came on his first NHL shift on Coliseum ice. “I just tried to make a smart read,” he said. “It was a great play by Kurls to hold onto the pass and make a shot like that.”