Former Clarkson University Hockey All-American Grant Clitsome made an immediate impact in his National Hockey League (NHL) debut Tuesday, setting up two first-period goals as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Clitsome was named the game's No. 3 star for his efforts.
"I was nervous and excited all night," Clitsome said. "It was a dream come true."
Clitsome, who was recalled Monday from Syracuse of the American Hockey League (AHL), saw 12 minutes, 20 seconds of ice time, including time on the power play. He finished the game with a plus-1 rating, and compiled two penalty minutes.
A native of Gloucester, Ontario, Clitsome registered his first NHL point, assisting on Andrew Murray's game-opening tally at the six-minute mark of the first period. He registered his second assist on Antoine Vermette's goal at 17:30 of the opening stanza.
The Gloucester, Ontario native was Columbus' 12th pick, 271st overall, in the 2004 Entry Draft. He tallied 16-57-73, 122 penalty minutes and a cumulative plus/minus rating of +32 in 150 career games with Clarkson. In 2007-08 he was named Second-Team Reebok All-American while helping the Golden Knights win the ECAC regular season championship.
