Daniel Sprong on the AHL: “I want to prove that I don't belong here.”

Despite playing for numerous teams in the National Hockey League over the better part of the last decade, 27 year old forward Daniel Sprong has never truly been able to establish a consistent spot for himself at the NHL level. Sprong has instead bounced from team to team over the years and hit a new low this week when he went unclaimed on waivers and was subsequently demoted to the American Hockey League.

Sprong however appears to be determined to prove that he does in fact belong at the NHL level with a dominant performance in his first game with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Sprong would contribute on 3 goals that led to a 5-2 win for the Firebirds over the Chicago Wolves, scoring 2 himself and adding an assist as well, and went on to describe how he feels he doesn't belong in the AHL during his post game comments.

Sprong made it clear that he feels he is at a level above that of the AHL.

"I was too many steps ahead, expecting plays to be a little quicker," said Sprong of adapting to the AHL. "I had to slow it down mentally and get on that speed and after that it was fine."

Throughout the course of the post game availability from Sprong it was clear that he doesn't want to be in the AHL for long despite a strong first game.

"I want to prove that I don't belong here," said Sprong. "I think my last 2 years in the NHL kind of speaks for itself."

Sprong was happy to pick up the win with his team but it is clear he has only one goal in mind while down in the AHL.

"At the end of the day I want to make it clear I am an NHL player and that's my mindset," said Sprong in conclusion.