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Mark Van Guilder officially recalled, set to make NHL debut Sunday

The Nashville Predators have recalled 30-year old center Mark Van Guilder from their AHL-affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

The former Notre Dame captain’s recall comes on an emergency basis with Nick Spaling being ruled out for Sunday night’s game against the Washington Capitals.

Van Guilder has traveled a long road to the National Hockey League. After going undrafted, the Roseville, Minnesota native spent nearly the entire 2008-09 season with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, was a point-per-game player for them and even helped the Cyclones to a Kelly Cup Championship in 2010.

Since 2010-11, he’s been a permanent member of the Admirals. He’s collected 111 points in 306 games at the AHL level. This is his first NHL recall.

According to Josh Cooper of The Tennessean, his mom and girlfriend will be in the house tonight for his big moment.

The official press release is below.

Nashville, Tenn. (March 30, 2014) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Mark Van Guilder from Milwaukee (AHL). The veteran of 387 career minor league games since 2008-09 is expected to make his NHL debut tonight when the Predators take on the Washington Capitals (7 p.m. CT, FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 The Game).

Van Guilder, 30 (1/17/84), has 28 points (14g-14a) in 66 games this season for the Admirals, his sixth season with the club. The native of Roseville, Minn., has been the Admirals nominee for the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Milwaukee community for each of the past four seasons. A 6-2, 205-pound forward, Van Guilder registered 98 points (42g-56a) in 163 games during a four-year career at the University of Notre Dame (2004-08), never missing a game during his collegiate career. He captained the Irish to the 2008 NCAA National Championship Game as a senior.

A limited number of tickets still remain for the first meeting between the Predators and Capitals at Bridgestone Arena since November 2011, and individual tickets start as low as $15. Fans may also purchase a McDonald’s Family Four Pack, starting at just $33 per ticket, and receive four tickets, four gold hats and four McDonald’s Happy Meal coupons with every Four Pack purchased. For more information, visit nashvillepredators.com, the Bridgestone Arena Box Office or call 615-770-7800.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Fuqua (used with permission)