[MrMastodonFarm]

Is this better SNIPPED BY MOD IgiTang?

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/hock...nerve-wracking

Matthew Tkachuk's famous father admits debut will be 'nerve-wracking'

Sure, it’s a season-opener, a storied rivalry, the christening of a brand-new building.

Even still, it’s not often that a veteran of 1,200-plus National Hockey League contests will admit he might be overwhelmed by butterflies during a game.

So what gives?

Simple.

In this case, Keith Tkachuk won’t be on the ice.

His 18-year-old son Matthew will be.

“Oh yeah, it’s much easier playing the game than being a parent, watching,” Keith said Tuesday afternoon, bags packed for a trip to watch Wednesday’s lid-lifter between the Calgary Flames and the provincial rival Oilers at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

“It’s going to be crazy,” Matthew admitted after Tuesday’s final prep session at the Saddledome, shaking his head in disbelief. “I’m just so excited for the moment and I’ve got my parents coming, so it’s something I can share with them.

“Obviously, the game is going to be amped up a little bit. I’m just super-excited for the opportunity to play in the NHL. It’s been my lifelong dream. And to be doing it in my first year, I couldn’t ask for anything better right now.”