Blake, a former North Dakota hockey standout, signed a free agent contract Saturday with the Los Angeles Kings and scored a goal in his first NHL game Sunday against the St. Louis Blues.
"The experience was awesome," said Blake, who scored at 12:03 of the third period in the Blues' 3-2 win. "The last game in the (Great Western) Forum and the first game I ever play in, what a great way to start your career."
Blake's lucrative contract with the Kings isn't just testimony to his talent, his agent says.
"I think this contract is a tribute not only to North Dakota and coach Dean Blais and the program there, but to college players who stay in school and never quit," said Neil Sheehey of Minneapolis.
"So many players are in a hurry to leave school for pie in the sky. Better advice would be to stay in school."
Blake, a 5-foot-10-inch, 180-pound All American center, agreed to a three-year contract with the Kings reportedly worth $1.85 million.
He said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles on Saturday that he was "ecstatic."
"Obviously, it's something that a kid dreams about doing - ever since I was a little kid," he said.
Blake passed on a chance to turn pro after his junior season.
Blake led the Fighting Sioux in scoring this season.
04-20-99
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