The Boston Bruins recalled defenseman Jeremy Lauzon on an emergency basis from Providence ahead of their with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Lauzon will make his National Hockey League debut Thursday night. He’ll fill in for recent call-up Urho Vaakaninen, who left during Boston’s 4-1 win over the Senators after taking an elbow to the head from Mark Borowiecki Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old is looking forward to his first shot in Black and Gold as he’ll pair with Steven Kampfer on the third defensive unit.

“I’m pretty excited. It’s what you are waiting for all of your life,” Lauzon said about his opportunity. “I found out yesterday around three o’clock. After that I just called my parents and am looking forward to playing tonight. That was my dream of playing in the NHL and now I’m here so I’m just going to try and play my best and stay here as long as I can.”

The plethora of injuries from the Bruins’ defensive unit just nine games into the season resulted in Lauzon’s sudden call-up. Their recent four-game Canadian road trip saw injuries to Vaakanainen, Charlie McAvoy and Kevan Miller. Torey Krug, while still out, has resumed skating activities weeks after sustaining a late preseason ankle injury.

But Lauzon feels capable of stepping in and filling the shoes of some of Boston’s premier defensemen. The Val d’Or, Quebec native played with confidence during his strong start in Providence.

“I think I’ve had a pretty good start to the season,” added Lauzon, who tallied four points (one goal, three assists) in his first six games with the Baby B’s. “I’ve been playing well and I’m going to try to translate my game here and play my best.”

The Bruins’ coaching staff believes in Lauzon and with good reason. His strong training camp carried over into his hot start in Providence.

He may not get as many minutes that he did down in Providence, but head coach Bruce Cassidy expects Lauzon to play a simple, but effective brand of hockey against the ‘Broad Street Bullies.’

“Exhibition games, I think he showed better composure with the puck than I was anticipating. His compete level is high, we knew that, and closes well in the d-zone and will help our penalty kill,” Cassidy said following the morning skate.

“We just want to make sure he can make the plays that are in front of him and hopefully tonight he has the ability and composure to do that. In your first game, you always get a little worried and don’t want to make mistakes so we’ll keep and eye on that. At the end of the day he’s played well down there and it’s his chance.”

He impressed the Bruins’ brass enough to make the trip up I-95. Now, Lauzon has his chance to make another strong impression with Boston’s coaching staff and front office.