Sports fans grow up dreaming of playing for their hometown team, and for Patrick Maroon, that dream is now a reality.
Maroon grew up in Oakville, Miss. - about 20 mins from St. Louis - and signed a one-year, $1.75-million contract with the Blues on Tuesday.
"I'm really excited. It's going to be a really good year. It's going to be a fun year," Maroon told NHL.com's Lou Korac. "I'm excited to be a Bluenote. I've dreamed of putting that jersey on. That decision was easy knowing what the roster looked like.
"I'm so happy to be coming home."
St. Louis is more than just Maroon's own hometown, as it's also the home of his son, who will likely get to see more precious moments such as this one back in 2016.
Patrick Maroon has signed with the @StLouisBlues, prompting everyone to remember this video of him breaking down in tears when seeing his son cheering him on after a big goal in 2016! You have to love seeing guys show emotion and be real.
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) July 10, 2018
Congrats @PatMaroon, rooting for ya! pic.twitter.com/OZHQDLAyfT
Providing further evidence that playing at home was a top priority, Maroon was offered more money to return to the New Jersey Devils, the club's general manager Ray Shero told The Athletic's Corey Masisak.
Home sweet home.
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