It's been a long time coming for Colton Dach, but the former Kelowna Rocket is set to make his NHL debut for the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, Jan. 3.

Set to turn 22 years old on Saturday, Dach has been seeing great success this season with Chicago's AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs as he has 12 goals and 13 assists in 30 games.

Chicago drafted him in the second round (62nd overall) in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. 

The St. Albert, Alta. native played 75 games for the Rockets from 2021-23, collecting 96 points (38 goals, 58 assists). In December 2022, he made the Canadian World Junior Hockey team but suffered a shoulder injury in the tournament on Dec. 31. Six days later, the Rockets traded Dach to Seattle, where he won the WHL Championship.

Dach's expected NHL debut is special for him and his family in more ways than one, as he's set to take on his brother Kirby and the Montreal Canadiens.

With the game taking place in Chicago, and Rockford just a 90 minute drive away, the brothers were texting about getting together.

香蕉视频直播淲e were actually texting, trying to figure out what to do for dinner yesterday, if he had time to drive down from Rockford," said Kirby during a media availability in Thursday before travelling to Chicago. "Then halfway through our conversation, he just goes: 香蕉视频直播榃ell, I香蕉视频直播檒l see you tomorrow anyways.香蕉视频直播� He got called up.香蕉视频直播�

When the media in Chicago met with Colton after being called-up on Thursday, he was asked a multitude of questions, including about making his debut against Kirby.

"I think my mom will want us to keep it family-friendly," said Dach. 

However, their mom will be watching from a distance as she is in Europe with their youngest sister as she plays over seas. Their dad will be in attendance on Friday night.

Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. Pacific time and by all indications, Dach will be making his NHL debut against his brother.