Colorado Avalanche forward Alex Newhook is feeling the support from home.

Newhook, a St. John’s native, was drafted by the Avalanche in 2019 and after a brief stint in the AHL to start the season, has become a mainstay in the lineup, netting 7 goals and 11 points on the year so far.

He says ever since he left the island, he’s seen his support back home grow and grow, and he hears from fans from The Rock regularly.

He says he does think anywhere else in the world shows that support and recognition for their hometown players quite like Newfoundland and Labrador.

He says it’s been great seeing everyone back home wearing his jersey.

Newhook says the NHL lifestyle has been a bit of an adjustment, but many of the veterans, particularly Gabriel Landeskog, have helped him navigate.

He says the Avalanche are playing almost every second day for the rest of the season so it’s a busy lifestyle.

He says you just have to try and keep your body healthy and be ready to go every day, which can sometimes be challenging with limited sleep due to travel.

However, he says it has been a great experience.