KEARNEY, Neb. – After an eight-year journey through minor professional hockey, former Storm forward Bobby Robins has made the Boston Bruins’ opening night roster and is ready to make his NHL debut at the age of 32.

Robins, who suited up for Tri-City for 60 games during the 2001-02 season, is looking to become the 10th Storm player to play in the NHL when the Bruins open up the 2014-15 NHL season against the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night.

A native of Peshtigo, Wis., Robins spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League with the Bruins’ affiliate in Providence, R.I.

In total, Robins has played in 499 minor league games during his career, but he’s hoping his 500th will be a special one.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Robins told ESPN Boston yesterday after learning he’d made it. “It definitely proves that sticking to the game plan and the program of just working hard every day, and getting a little bit better every day and over the course of a long time you can improve and get better and accomplish your dream.”

The forward is known for his fighting prowess, and has spent plenty of time in the penalty box. Last season in Providence, Robins appeared in 68 games, scoring five goals and nine assists, while racking up 221 penalty minutes.

While in Kearney, Robins had 176 PIMs to go along with 16 goals and 14 assists. After the USHL, he attended UMass-Lowell, and played with the Riverhawks in the Hockey East for four seasons while earning his degree in English.

The Storm welcome the Chicago Steel to Kearney for a two-game series this weekend. Friday’s game starts at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest begins at 7:05.

Saturday’s game will feature a special appearance from Sean and Catherine Lowe of ABC’s The Bachelor Season 17. Tickets are available atstormhockey.com or by calling 308.338.8011.