Photo by Jonathan Kozub

(NHN)-Wacey Rabbit is one step from his dream of playing in the NHL. But it’s a big step. Rabbit, 23, plays hockey for the American League’s Milwaukee Admirals, the primary affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators.

He’s a newcomer to Milwaukee this year, signing an NHL contract with the Preds during the off season. He’s risked a lot to sign with Nashville considering he was playing on Providence’s top line last year.

The change in NHL organizations happened overnight. In fact, Rabbit had to scramble to make training camp on time. “I didn’t know until probably the last minute,” said Rabbit. “I still have some of my stuff at my ex-girlfriend’s place. Whenever I get a chance I’ll have to go down there and pick it up.”

“I was there for three years and it was tough leaving there,” he admitted. “But they didn’t qualify me and I had some European offers and one from the KHL.”

But those offers aren’t a stepping stone to the National Hockey League.

“You don’t grow up wanting to play in Europe,” said Rabbit rather succinctly. “Obviously I’m still young and I can chase my dream.”

“With Boston I think they’re going in a different direction. They like bigger guys,” said Rabbit, who stands 5-9 and weighs 175 pounds. “I think Nashville kind of suits my style. They are defensive oriented and play fast at the same time.”

His numbers are down from last season when he played with Providence but his coach says there is a reason for that. “What’s happening with him is the stats are misleading,” said Lambert. “He’s playing in a more defensive role for us this year. In fairness to him he hasn’t had a great deal of opportunity to put up similar numbers to what he did last year.”

“He doesn’t complain. He just does his job.”

“He’s exactly what I expected we were getting,” said Lambert. “He’s very responsible, plays hard and is very professional in his approach to the game.”

“I wouldn’t call him a call-up right now,” said Lambert. “He’s still a prospect and continues to develop certain areas of his game.”

“With him it’s a matter of time will tell. He’s got some hurdles to overcome. He’s not a drafted guy and hasn’t been in the Nashville organization for a lengthy period of time.”

“But he is headed in the right direction.”

“Wacey does things that leaders do. He blocks shots and sacrifices himself for his team. That combined with his skating and creativity on offence makes him a pretty well rounded player.”