Brandon Baddock from Vermilion has worked his lifetime to play in the NHL and on December 30 Baddock made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Baddock’s professional career began when he was drafted 161st overall by the New Jersey Devils in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL entry draft. In October 2020, the Montreal Canadiens signed Baddock to a one-year two-way contract and he was promoted to the Canadiens taxi squad in the 2020-21 season; but never had the opportunity to appear in an NHL game. Baddock has played in 25 games with the Canadiens AHL affiliate, the Laval Rockets during the 2020-21 AHL season where he scored two goals and three assists.
In July of 2021, the Canadiens re-signed Baddock to a one-year two-way contract. Due to injuries and a COVID outbreak on the Canadiens roster, Baddock was called up to play on December 30.
In a press conference post-game Baddock said that he didn’t know he was going to play in the game until 15 minutes after warm-ups.
“It’s just a dream come true, I worked so hard to get here and I have waited a long time for the opportunity so for it to finally come, you know it’s a dream come true. You go out there and try to work every shift and cherish every moment,” commented Baddock.
Throughout the game, Baddock played a total of eight minutes and 24 seconds over 13 shifts.
When asked if he had any family in attendance for the game, Baddock chuckled and said, “No, all my family is in Canada and it was such short notice, but they are all watching I’m sure.”
According to NHL.com Baddock was placed in COVID protocol the following day and is being monitored closely by medical staff.