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Filip Chlapik was disappointed he had no family members on hand to witness his NHL debut.

Of course, the 20-year-old native of the Czech Republic didn’t know he’d be playing Thursday night until mere hours before the game, either.

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“It’s pretty sad,” Chlapik said, with a grin, after a morning skate at the Canadian Tire Centre. “They’ll for sure watch it at home.”

A “great offensive package” in the eyes of Senators coach Guy Boucher, Chlapik had three assists and was a minus-5 in seven games with the Belleville Senators when he and Jack Rodewold made the trip east along the 401. Boucher picked Chlapik when filling out the lineup that faced the Flyers because of a need for centres.

It was also a way to reward a second-round pick who responded after Senators brass had a frank and honest discussion with him following a disappointing season in 2015-16.

“The great thing about Chlappy, I really believe this guy has got character,” said Boucher, who added that Chlapik’s work ethic and approach to detail were missing the season after he was drafted, prompting a “major” talking to from management. “After a month, what we heard was, ‘Oh my God, this guy is 180 degrees turned around. This guy is a pro at the rink, first on puck, paying the price defensively, watching video, you name it.’