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Coach Q's second cousin makes NHL debut against the Blackhawks

John Quenneville, the second cousin of Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, made his NHL debut for the New Jersey Devils at the United Center on Thursday. "I was just overcome with happiness," Quenneville said when he found out about the promotion. "I didn't expect this at all. It's just such a great feeling for this to happen to me."

The 20-year-old Edmonton native said he grew up an Oilers fan and didn't root for the Hawks despite the family connection. The first person John Quenneville called was his dad, who is first cousins with Joel.

"He was probably just as happy, maybe happier, than I was," the younger Quenneville said. "All the sacrifices that my parents have made for me to get this opportunity, it's really the reason why I'm here. Just seeing how happy he was, it's just an amazing feeling for me too."

Quenneville, a first-round pick (30th overall) by New Jersey in 2014, played left wing on the Devils' third line against the Hawks. He scored 31 goals in the WHL last season and had 7 goals in 19 games for New Jersey's AHL team this season.

Joel had never seen John play before Thursday night, although - like any good coach - he had a scouting report on his relative.

"(Assistant coach) Kevin (Dineen) coached him a little bit and said he's a hardworking type kid," Quenneville said. "He's got some skill and he's one of those guys who finds a way to be competitive. Does little things, not just score goals or score points.

"I think he's one of those guys that has the whole game and finds a way to be effective."

John said he had seven friends and family in attendance.

"Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said. "Something you can't miss. It means a lot to me for them to be able to be here."

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