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TORONTO (CP) - Carlo Colaiacovo scored a goal and was named first star in his first NHL game, and it doesn't get any better than that for a teenager who aspires to play in the big league. It was only a pre-season contest but it will always be a special memory for the Toronto Maple Leafs' 19-year-old defence prospect.
"It was an unbelievable thrill," he said of taking his first-star spin on the ice after the 3-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night.
Raised in the city's Italian district, Colaiacovo was the first player selected by the Maple Leafs in the 2001 NHL entry draft. A shoulder injury ruined his first Leafs training camp, but he's making the most of this opportunity.
"I'm having a blast," he said.
While he's expected to play another season with the OHL's Erie Otters, Colaiacovo has earned himself a longer look from head coach Pat Quinn.
"He's jumped ahead of some of the others," Quinn said of the battle for the lone available defence job. "He might have played himself into another (pre-season) game."
Following up on a rush by Darcy Tucker and Tom Fitzgerald, Colaiacovo got his stick on the puck to dribble it past fallen goaltender Jani Hurme to open the scoring at 9:54.
Colaiacovo pumped his fist as the red light went on and he glided behind the net, and more than 20 family members and friends jumped from their Air Canada Centre seats in celebration.
"To have all my family here to see me play my first game and score my first goal with the Leafs was unbelievable," he said afterwards.
He took the puck home.
"It's definitely a keeper," he said with a big grin.
Colaiacovo was drafted 17th overall last year. Quinn paired him with veteran Robert Svehla for his debut.
"I'm still young and in a learning process," said Colaiacovo. "I'm just trying to get better every day.
"To play at this level, you have to learn to play defence. I'm working hard on my defensive game."
Carlo
Colaiacovo (rechts) mit Chris Eade feiern den Gewinn der OHL Championship.
Colaiacovo nach seinem 1.
Tor im Dress der Leafs gegen Ottawa.