Cam Crotty, who was drafted 82nd overall by the Coyotes in 2017, logged 10:03 of ice time in his NHL debut with the Arizona Coyotes. Crotty wore number 95, marking the first player in Coyotes/Jets franchise history to don that number on his sweater.“It’s such a dream come true,” Crotty said. “Can’t help but think about the first time you put on the skates when you’re tying them up this time. What an experience, I’m going to remember this one forever.”

Crotty is a true defensive defenseman, and has recorded three goals and nine assists in 45 AHL games with the Tucson Roadrunners this season. The 24-year-old Ottawa, Ontario native spent three seasons with Boston University – acting as an alternate captain in 2019-20 – before joining the Roadrunners in 2020-21.

He ultimately made his NHL debut four seasons later against one of the league’s top offenses, and Tourigny said he was pleased with how Crotty played on Sunday.

“There’s no shift off, they’re all over you, they play with pace, they’re strong physically, so he did a good job,” Tourigny said. “He played good, period, especially against that kind of opponent.”

Crotty said Sunday morning’s call came as somewhat of a surprise, as Tucson was in San Jose to face the Barracuda.

The 209 career AHL games he played in that led up to the moment is something he never wavered from.

“In the minors, and you can’t think about it that way and you just have to keep working,” Crotty said. “I can’t put it into words, it’s just such a dream come true.”

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