New Jersey Devils forward Shane Lachance, 22, made his NHL debut against the Washington Capitals last Saturday, playing 7:25 minutes in a 3-2 shootout victory. The 6-foot-4 prospect reflected on lining up next to Alex Ovechkin for his first shift as a memorable moment. Called up from the Utica Comets, Lachance impressed coaches with his physical play and positioning.
Shane Lachance arrived at the New Jersey Devils' training camp hoping to secure an NHL roster spot. After strong performances in exhibition games, the 22-year-old forward began the season with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League, where he has played 11 games and recorded one assist in his first full professional campaign.
Last Friday, while preparing for a morning skate in Utica ahead of a game against the Belleville Senators, Lachance received a call-up to the NHL. 'I was actually taping my stick for morning skate,' he said. 'Our skate was 10 o'clock in Utica and it was 9:45. I was about to start getting ready. They called me into the office and told me I was going up. I just packed my stuff, made the drive to Jersey and got on a flight.' Halfway through the drive, he learned he would debut the next day against the Capitals. 'The rest of that drive my mind was everywhere,' he laughed. 'I can’t say I remember much of that drive.'
In the game at Washington, Lachance lined up for his first shift opposite Alex Ovechkin. 'One thing I’ll remember forever, going out there for my first shift and I look behind me and (Alex) Ovechkin lines up right next to me,' Lachance said. 'That’s something I’ll remember forever. If I don’t remember anything else from that game, that’s one thing that I’ll take with me forever.' The Devils won 3-2 in a shootout, with Lachance contributing solid play against a physical opponent.
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe praised the debutant. 'I thought he did a good job,' Keefe said. 'It’s a tough game to come in and play your first game against Washington. They’re fast, they’re physical, they’re deep. And we were a shorthanded team. You’re asking a lot more of anyone that comes up. I thought he held up well. He had some good plays along the wall. Positionally, he was sound.'
Senior VP and assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon highlighted Lachance's development focus. 'I’m sure he’ll be the first to tell you that he wishes he saw a little more in the stats column,' MacKinnon said. 'But it’s not for lack of effort, coachability, compete. Everything we’re projecting him to be, a heavy low offensive zone guy, keeps plays alive below the dots, net front, he’s been doing it all year.'
A former Boston University player, Lachance remains committed to improvement. 'It’s getting there. A lot still to work on,' he said. 'There’s never enough stuff to work on. I just keep doing my thing and doing extra work, either before practice or after practice. Just do extra stuff and trust in that process and everything will be okay.' Despite returning to the lineup challenges due to healthy forwards, he continues learning from veterans.