"SAY WHAT?!" Golden Knights Brendan Brisson Set To Fulfill Dream In Los Angeles

LAS VEGAS -- When Brendan Brisson steps on the ice tonight against the Los Angeles Kings, it'll be a dream come true.

Growing up in Manhattan Beach, the 23-year-old played inside what was then called Staples Center when he was 8 years old.

Tonight, as the Golden Knights look to extend their four-game win streak in Los Angeles, he'll finally get a chance to play as a professional.

"Obviously, real excited," Brisson said. "Never played in Crypto. Or, it's not Crypto to me - it's Staples. I played there actually when I was younger, like when I was 8. But yeah, just growing up, going to those Kings games, it was always awesome. And yeah, I mean, a dream come true."

As part of our "SAY WHAT?!" series, here is a little more with Brendan Brisson:

THN: What has being a part of this organization meant to you?

BB: There's no question about it, it's definitely the best organization in the league. I'm not just saying that because I'm here. But you look at all the success and all the moves and everything that comes behind the organization is first class. From the trainers to the teammates to the coaches, you know everyone, the fans. They all have a huge role in what makes it an unbelievable organization. It's fun to come in every single day. I remember, even when I was back in college after I got drafted, Will Nichol, shout out to Will Nichol, he'd come out to a lot of the games. He works with the prospects, so he'd come to games. And then when I decided to sign, spend some time in Henderson, and just how hands on they were with my development. They really taught me since I came in what it's like to be a pro, and what's the everyday expectations with being in the Golden Knights organization. So I definitely grew up a lot off the ice, and on the ice I like where my game has been trending. So it's been a blessing to be here. Yeah, I'm excited to be Golden Knight.

THN: Your best friend and roommate from college, Matty Beniers, is up in Seattle. Kind of ironic the two of you are on the two expansion teams. Has trash-talking developed and the fact you'll be playing against one another.

BB: I think they'll definitely ramp up when we start playing against each other. Obviously, he's been there. He's played there since he got there, so it'll definitely be fun to play against him. We're very competitive against each other. He's my best friend, still, but like everything we compete at, even little video games, even if we're on the same team. Call of Duty, who has more kills? But it's like, we're on the same team. Even fantasy football, like everything. We talk a lot, so I'll definitely start chirping him a little bit earlier before we go up to Seattle and play. But yeah, he's awesome. And I probably watch Seattle the most in the NHL, just to keep up with his games and stuff. Yeah, we talk a lot, it's fun, and I'm confident I'll be on the winning side of this battle.

THN: When Mom comes to visit, I understand you take her to do cooking classes?

BB: Yeah, well, we go to that Sur La Table, and it's different every time. So I feel like that's what's fun. Just choose a class and a dish, and you go in and they show you how to make it. I ran into a few people there, in the organization too, so it's always fun. I haven't gone a while, though, so next time she comes I better bring her there.

THN: Where did you find your love for cooking?

BB: Oh well, geez honestly, when I went to college, five my teammates, we lived together, so it's like we got to fend for ourselves. So we were always cooking. We all took a night of the week where we'd cook for the whole house. So you kind of wanted to show out for your teammates. So that's kind of how I got into it.

THN: Born and raised in Manhattan Beach, you're a Dodgers fan. Heard you've been wearing your Dodger hat. How excited have you been for this World Series?

BB: It's awesome. I love the Dodgers. Obviously, growing up in LA, so the fact that they could possibly (win) against the - it's even better that's the Yankees, too. It's awesome just growing up going to the games with my friends, and still go to the games. So, it's definitely an exciting time to be a Dodger fan.