[MissTeeks]

Homecoming for Johnny Hockey

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/...y_Hockey_.html

"At the beginning of the season I looked at the schedule and was hoping we would get to Philadelphia as soon as possible," he said last week after a morning skate at Madison Square Garden, his first time in that vaunted building. "I noticed the game was a little bit down a ways, and my goal was to try to stay up as long as I could because it was something I really looked forward to."
Then, still savoring the thought, he added: "Thankfully, I am here."

What his teammates have admired is the way Gaudreau, last season's Hobey Baker Award winner as the college player of the year from Boston College, has handled all of the notoriety.
"We have welcomed him with open arms, and obviously you see the things he does on the ice that are electrifying, but he is such a good kid off the ice, too," said Calgary center Joe Colborne.

One of his biggest rewards for this splendid season is three nights at his family's home in Pedricktown, Salem County.
"Honestly, this is one of the best situations," Gaudreau said. "To be in Philly three full days there, we will have a few practices, but other than that I get to go home, have some home-cooked meals, and stay in my bed."

His father, Guy Gaudreau, said the family has purchased a club box, which includes 30 tickets for the game. And he said a sizable contingent will be at the Wells Fargo Center from South Jersey.
"I think there are about 4,000 to 5,000 who bought tickets for the game," Guy said.

When Gaudreau was asked which was more special, playing in his first All-Star Game, in Columbus, or coming to Philadelphia, he hesitated momentarily before answering.
"Both are pretty crazy," he said. "That was a really cool experience playing in the All-Star Game, just walking in the locker room and seeing some of the names in the locker room, it was pretty eye-opening."
Then, after deliberating, he added: "Coming home to Philly will be probably just as exciting as the All-Star Game."