It has been quite an eventful week for 19-year-old hockey sensation, Gabe Perreault. Just a couple of days back, he ended his stellar college career at Boston College with an unfortunate 3-1 loss against Denver in a knockout game at the NCAA regionals. But Perreault is now out of the frying pan and into the fire. Because he now finds himself in a pressure cooker environment at New York, where every game and every performance will matter as the Blueshirts gun for that final wildcard spot. But despite the immense pressure, Perreault took the time to remember his father, Yanic, ahead of his first NHL start.

We know all about Perreault’s excellent numbers; his 108 points (35 goals and 73 assists) for the Eagles, the fact that he had the best points-per-game percentage for a player at Boston College since the 1993-94 season, and the immense hype surrounding him. But another curious fact is that Gabe Perreault is no stranger to the NHL.

Interestingly enough, Perreault’s father, aka Yanic Perreault, was also an NHL player and even played in the league for 14 years! To honor his NHL career and the support provided by his father, Perreault will be wearing the No. 94 jersey like his dad. Indeed, it will no doubt be a very special occasion for the Perreault family to see Gabe making his debut while wearing the same number as his father.

Talking about his father’s contributions to his career and wearing the No. 94 jersey, Perreault said, “Growing up, I’ve always had a number with a 4 in it. Wanted to do that. When I talked to my Dad, I think he suggested it a little bit, so definitely because of him a little bit.”

Now Perreault senior was somewhat of a journeyman, with spells in Toronto, LA, Chicago, Montreal, Nashville, and Phoenix. Over the course of his career, he played in 859 games, with a respectable haul of 247 goals and 269 assists for a total of 516 points. Pretty neat! Interestingly enough, he replaced Wayne Gretzky as the Kings’ lead center after the Great One was traded. He called time on his career at the end of the 2007-08 season.

Meanwhile, Gabe Perreault may soon get the chance to make his debut as the Rangers host the Wild, with their playoff chances hanging by a thin thread. Amidst this, Perreault found it tough to control his emotions.

Gabe Perreault talks about dramatic life changes

While he had a tough ending to his college career, Gabe Perreault could not be more excited about a chance to represent the Rangers at such a crucial juncture in the season. At just 19, he has already caught the eyes of the hockey world, and he would hope for a strong start to his NHL career. During an interview, he expressed his feelings ahead of his much-anticipated debut.

Perreault said, “It’s a crazy couple days. A tough ending at school, but I’m super excited to be here… I’ll be excited. Obviously, a little bit nervous. But I know that’s part of it. That’s expected, but I’d be super grateful and really thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to this point.”

There are some pretty heavy expectations riding on Perreault’s shoulders. Although the 19-year-old is looking forward to the opportunity, he was also levelheaded in his expectations for himself this season. “Obviously you want to make an impact, but I’m not trying to set any crazy expectations,” Perreault said during his media duties with the Rangers. “Just trying to make my linemates better and make my teammates better and help the team win.”

The decision to have Gabe Perreault play this season is a gamble on the part of the New York front office, considering their using up an entire year of his ELC for a handful of games. But with the season panning out the way it is, it’s time to throw everything against the wall and see what sticks. And if Perreault can make even a fraction of the impact he did in college, it could be enough to send the Rangers over the line. Meanwhile, Perreault’s fellow players are also in awe of his skills and talent. Indeed, he would look to carry on his father’s legacy and make a bright start to his NHL career.