The face says it all - Zach Boychuk has upped his defensive and offensive consistency substantially to catch the eye of the Carolina Hurricanes. (PHOTO - Courtesy of the Charlotte Checkers)

Airdrie's Zach Boychuk has been a force in the American Hockey League this season, and it's earned him a call-up to the big club in the Carolina Hurricanes.

The 'Canes made the call over the Christmas break, telling the Airdrie native that he'll lace up the skates for his second game this season against Sidney Crosby and the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday, December 27. Boychuk's previous call up was in an emergency circumstance to fill the void of an injury. In that game, the Airdrie product registered an assist, 2 shots on goal, 1 hit and a plus-1 rating.

“It was huge for my confidence to show I can still play in the NHL and that Carolina still has that faith in me", said Boychuk in a previous interview.

Boychuk has been tearing up the AHL, scoring 12 goals in the last 16 games to rank him fifth in the league in goals heading into the Christmas break. In total, the left-winger has 27 points in 29 games this season.

“(Charlotte coaches) have always told me they think I can play in the NHL because I have the speed, I have the shot and I have all the tools, there just has to be that consistency. I had a little bit of a slump and the team went through that losing streak, but I think I learned a lesson from that. It’s made me a better player.”

Charlotte Checkers coaches say his biggest improvement was in his defensive game, "He's making things happen".

For Boychuk, he's looking to translate his strong play to the NHL come December 27, as his contract with the club is up at the end of the season, where ultimately his play will depict negotiations to re-sign.