| | DENVER -- Denver is a long way from Ste. Justine, Quebec,
but Colorado Avalanche forward Alex Tanguay feels right at home.
Growing up in Canada, he dreamed of playing hockey with the Quebec
Nordiques -- the team that is now the Avalanche.
|  | | Tanguay has learned a lot from playing alongside Joe Sakic and living with Patrick Roy's family. |
"It was always a dream of mine to play in the NHL," said
Tanguay, a 19-year-old rookie. "Playing with the team I grew up
cheering for is another dream. It's a great organization. I looked
up to it when I was young. It's fun to be part of it."
So far, reality is living up to the dream for Tanguay,
Colorado's first choice and the 12th pick overall in the 1998
draft. He is living with Patrick Roy and playing left wing on the line with his idol, Joe Sakic, who set him up for his first NHL goal, on Oct. 8 in Pittsburgh.
"I was a little nervous but I put it in, and that was a great
moment," Tanguay said. "I still have the puck. I have the puck
from my first goal back home. So I'll keep this one in the same
place."
Sakic is impressed with the play of his new linemate.
"He's smart. He's a great playmaker. For a guy like me, I kind
of read off him and try to get open in the passing lane. I'm not
really surprised by how well he is doing."
With three goals and four assists in 10 games, he is among the
league's rookie scoring leaders.
"I've had a good start but it could be better," Tanguay said.
"When you play with Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk, you're going to
get some points no matter who you are or what you do."
Tanguay has been living in Roy's house.
"I talked with my wife and the kids," Roy said. "We took a
family vote. They said yes. We have a great basement, which is
perfect for Alex."
Tanguay realizes Roy's gesture was something special.
"He's someone for me to look up to," Tanguay said. "He's going
to be in the Hall of Fame, and he is one of the greatest goalies there
ever was.
"He's a great example for all young people coming in." | |
ALSO SEE
Sakic roars out of the gate
Needing spark, Avs shuffle offensive lines
 |
