On getting recalled from Rockford:

"It's incredible. I got the call [Tuesday] night on my birthday. I couldn't ask for a better birthday present. So I'm happy to be here and I'm happy to here with the pro guys."

On how he's developed in Rockford:

"I think I'm doing pretty well. I'm working on the little things like shooting the pucks, passing and gap control and all that. I think it's been going really well. Obviously, it's been paying off. I finally get the call up. I'm just going to keep doing my job. Hopefully, I'll stay up here for as long as I can."

On how tough it was to sit and wait with the Hawks having eight defensemen:

"A little bit. After I got sent down from [training] camp, I sat back and took a look at what they had and was trying to look to at what my chances were. But I'm here now. I'm happy to be here. We'll see how things go."

On having other Rockford players with him on the Hawks right now:

"To have those guys up here with me just makes it a lot easier. You have other guys to talk to and good friends around the room. It definitely helps."

On what it feels like to be in his first NHL practice:

"I wouldn't say nervous. I'd say more excited than nervous. It's a huge opportunity. It's something you look forward to your whole life. I finally get the chance and to get the call [Tuesday] night was incredible."

On what we can expect from him when he's on his game:

"I'm just a hard-nosed defenseman who can shut down the other teams' top lines, take the body, move the puck, making good plays and generating opportunities up front. Getting shots from the point and just out there doing my job."