Dec. 10--The last few days have provided some arduous traveling adventures for Blackhawks center Dennis Rasmussen and his family.
After Rasmussen got the call Sunday night to join the Hawks, his flight from San Antonio -- where the Rockford IceHogs were playing -- to Chicago was diverted to Madison, Wis., because of weather. Rasmussen thus arrived late to Monday's practice.
Rasmussen's sudden and unexpected call-up Sunday meant his family had to make last-minute travel arrangements to fly from Sweden to Chicago. It's not quite as convenient as hopping a quick flight from Chicago to, say, Detroit, but Rasmussen's mother, father and brother made the trek so they could catch his NHL debut on Tuesday against the Predators.
It was worth the trouble.
Rasmussen scored his first NHL goal on his first attempt when he deflected a shot from Andrew Shaw into the net for the Hawks' first goal in a 4-1victory over the Predators.
Then a raucous on-ice celebration began in the corner with Rasmussen screaming and Shaw coming over and screaming in Rasmussen's face.
"I just yelled as loud as I could and then I tried to look for Shawzy too to let him know it was a great play by him," Rasmussen said. "Right now I'm just really happy. My family flew in (Tuesday) morning too so that makes this even more special. To get a win too (is) just awesome."
Rasmussen had the puck he scored with as a souvenir and took a few photos with it in the Hawks' dressing room after the game. He also got to hold the Hawks' wrestling belt, which the team awards to the best player of the game.
"It's the biggest day of my life so far," Rasmussen said after the game. "It's easy to say that."
The Hawks hope there are many more good days ahead.
Rasmussen, 25, played in Rockford last season after coming over to the Hawks organization. He is the latest prospect being given a chance on the roster after the Hawks reassigned Tanner Kero to Rockford.
It creates an interesting dynamic for the Hawks and IceHogs.
While those in Rockford stay motivated because they see they can get a chance with the Hawks, players already in the NHL know their time there could be short-lived and that it might be a while before they get another chance. Players like Vincent Hinostroza and Kyle Baun got some playing time with the Hawks earlier in the season but have been in Rockford since.
"We have a really good mood and spirit on the team," Rasmussen said. "We're working hard every day and it feels like a lot of players are knocking on the door to get the chance up here, and that's good. We help each other to develop because we're working so hard every day."
Eventually, though, the Hawks would like someone to impress them so much that he ends up staying on the NHL roster.
"That's what you hope," Rasmussen said. "But you've got to take it day-by-day."
Day one was a pretty good one for Rasmussen.
chine@tribpub.com
