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Yutaka Fukufuji thrilled about NHL appearance

Japanese goaltender Yutaka Fukufuji says he had trouble keeping his emotions in check as he took the ice for the warmup prior to the Los Angeles Kings' NHL game on Saturday.

Fukufuji, who is seeking to become the first Japanese to play in an NHL game, didn't see any live game action against the Dallas Stars but he did get his first taste of what it is like to be part of an NHL club.

"I was shaking" said Fukufuji of stepping onto the ice at Staples Center arena for the first time. "I can't believe it. I don't know what to say. It is a good opportunity for me."

The 24-year-old from Hokkaido was called up from the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League (AHL) after one of the Kings' regular goalies, Dan Cloutier, was injured in practice earlier this week.

Fukufuji was told after Friday's practice he would be joining the Kings, giving him only a few hours to pack and get to the airport for a continent-wide flight to the US western seaboard city. He arrived late on Friday night and had to be at the rink on Saturday morning for a rare Kings afternoon game.

Fukufuji, who wore No. 33, sat on the end of the bench watching starter Barry Brust make 28 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss to Dallas.

"He is a good kid and he is hardworking," Los Angeles coach Marc Crawford said. "This will give a little more notoriety to hockey in Japan. We will consider using him."

Fukufuji has not appeared in any games for the Monarchs this season.
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