VIDEO: Fernandez calls a puck a ball at 1st NHL game
Jose Fernandez knows his way around a baseball field, but he was nervous about his first time on ice.
The Miami Marlins hurler and a few other players from the team were special guests at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., as the Panthers took on Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night.
Fernandez, who hails from Cuba, even had the honor of dropping the ceremonial first puck prior to the contest.
.@Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez also dropped the ceremonial puck at BB&T Center prior to #PITvsFLA. pic.twitter.com/qUQCgcP6Kv
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 16, 2016
In a revealing interview after puck drop, Fernandez admitted he was attending his first professional hockey game, and initially planned to "drop the ball on the middle of the court."
Fernandez also said he didn't know exactly when to drop the puck (or ball), and didn't release it until Panthers forward Jussi Jokinen and Crosby got irritated with him.
.@Marlins ace Jose Fernandez and @DunnForAll40 talk about the @FlaPanthers and spring training on the horizon.https://t.co/GgfiZOh1r9
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) February 16, 2016
It's been a turbulent offseason for Fernandez, who has been the subject of trade rumors ever since reports surfaced saying he's a bad influence in the clubhouse and had clashed with team management.