A young fan’s tweet goes viral after the debut of Quinton Byfield: Fans tell him it’s a good time to grow up

A young fan’s tweet goes viral after the debut of Quinton Byfield: Fans tell him it’s a good time to grow up

A young fan in Quinton Byfield's alike jersey

Youngster Quinton Byfield made his second NHL debut last week and made history in his maiden outing. The Los Angeles Kings drafted the 19-year-old in 2020 and with this, he became the highest-drafted Black player in NHL history to hit the rink. 

Reacting to this, a young NHL fan’s tweet went viral on the popular social media platform. He wrote: “It may not mean anything to you, but seeing someone who looks like me – and was drafted second overall – back in the lineup last night was inspiring and motivates me to keep working hard. @LAKings @byfield55 @NHL”

Byfield played six games in the last season with the Kings before he fractured his left ankle in the final pre-season on October 5, 2021, against the Arizona Coyotes. He was later placed on NHL COVID-19 protocol in December last year and started his rehab in the American Hockey League (AHL). 

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“There weren’t any fans last year so it was maybe a bit easier on the nerves,” Byfield told NHL.com.

Meet Quinton Byfield’s biggest fan

The teenage ice hockey player recently also met his biggest fan, who is apparently Quinton Byfield too. Byfield, who is a rookie forward for the Los Angeles Kings and the No. 2 overall draft pick from 2020, played his third NHL game on Monday. 

QB (as he’s become known to fans) is also a young Kings fan who happens to share a name with the Los Angeles centre in a wonderful, heartwarming coincidence. He prepared an adorable sign for his favourite player to see during warmups before the game.

Also Read | Quinton Byfield Net Worth: How Rich is the highest drafter black player in NHL history?