After a strong training camp – his second with the Islanders – Warren got off to a strong start in his second full season in Bridgeport with five points (2G, 3A) in his first four games and earned AHL Player of the Week honors on October 13.
“He’s been really good in training camp,” said head coach Patrick Roy. “It’s nice to see him rewarded for his performances.”
The 5’11”, 195 lb defenseman feels more comfortable in his second professional season, having already recorded 17 points (4G, 13A) in 53 games during his first full stint.
“The first year you learn everything and the second year everything slows down a little bit,” Warren said. “Now I’m pretty comfortable in this league, learning from the veterans and taking everything day by day.”
Warren first learned of his call-up from Bridgeport head coach Rocky Thompson after practice, followed by a phone call from Islanders general manager and vice president Mathieu Darche, whose message to the defenseman was to do this thing and figure it all out — it’s a cool experience and a well-deserved opportunity.
Between Thompson’s news and Darche’s phone call, there were emotional phone calls with his family, who supported his ultimate dream from day one.
“My parents [and] “My sister was excited, it takes a village,” Warren said. “Without them, I would be nowhere.”
Warren’s energy was undeniably contagious Friday morning when he took his first practice with the Islanders, matching the gratitude he’s maintained throughout training camp.
“There are days in sports where you don’t know if you’ll ever have a chance,” Warren said. “It’s pretty special. It took me a village to get here and I put a lot of work into it, a lot of sacrifice.”
