Twarynski of Flyers surprised by parents in Prague for Global Series

PRAGUE-- Carsen Twarynski got the best possible surprise Thursday, ahead of his NHL debut for the Philadelphia Flyers against the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Global Series at O2 Arena on Friday (2 p.m. ET; NHLN, SN360, NBCSP, NBCSCH, NHL.TV).

His parents, Rob and Kim, flew overnight from Calgary to surprise the 21-year-old forward at Philadelphia's hotel.
"It was awesome," Twarynski said Thursday of seeing his parents. "I had a feeling they were trying to get here but I wasn't sure they'd be able to do it because of the distance and the notice. It was nice to see them this morning. I'm glad to have their support."
Twarynski, who was born in St. Albert, Alberta, said his parents flew about four hours from Calgary to Toronto, and then after a layover it was another 8-9 hours to reach Prague.
"Long travel day for them," he said.

Twarynski is expected to play right wing on the third line against the Blackhawks with center Scott Laughton and left wing James van Riemsdyk.
He knew his parents would be watching somehow. That they're going to be in the crowd at O2 Arena makes a special time even better.
"Even if I knew they were coming, it would have been exciting to see them regardless," he said. "I knew they wanted to come, so actually seeing them here was pretty special."