PHILADELPHIA -- After averaging 1.04 points per game in 23 games with the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League, former Western Michigan Bronco Paul Szczechura has been called up to “the show” and will make his National Hockey League debut tonight for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Brantford, Ontario native netted 44 goals and tallied 86 assists in 153 games from 2003 to 2007 for the Broncos. Szczechura had a career-year during his senior campaign with WMU. He captained a team that went 18-18-1 and scored a career-high 19 goals and tied a career-high with 26 assists that season. He had been having a career year with the Admirals, netting 11 goals and dishing out 13 assists before his call up.

“Paul is one of the most intelligent players I have ever coached,” commented head coach Jim Culhane. “I think he is hitting his stride now as a professional and is now comfortable at the pro level.”

Szczechura is now the second former Bronco to make his debut in the NHL this season. Currently Pat Dwyer (2001-'05) is in his second stint with the Carolina Hurricanes this season. Dwyer has played 11 games so far with the Hurricanes and recently netted his first career goal in a 3-2 win over Philadelphia.

With the additions of Szczechura and Dwyer it gives the Broncos four representatives in the NHL, with veterans Jamal Mayers with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Joe Corvo with the Hurricanes.

Bronco fans can watch Szczechura's debut on the Versus network at 7 p.m. tonight.