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Meyers Scores in NHL Debut with Avs
4/17/2022 11:57:00 AM | Men's Hockey
The Big Ten Player of the Year stands as Minnesota's 119th all-time NHL alum.
MINNEAPOLIS -- The incredible year of Ben Meyers added yet another notable achievement on Saturday night as the Gopher Hockey alum scored in his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche while the organization clinched the Central Division title and the top seed in the Western Conference with a 7-4 win over Carolina at Ball Arena.
"I kind of just blanked out," Meyers said. "Wasn't thinking much, but it was a pretty special moment. Great plays by my linemates to take it to the net, and I was just fortunate to get the rebound there."
After a collegiate season that saw Meyers earn Hobey Baker Award Hat Trick Finalist, Second Team All-America and Big Ten Player of the Year honors (along with a roster spot on the U.S. Olympic team), the forward signed a two-year, entry level contract with the Avalanche as a free agent earlier this week and became the University of Minnesota's 119th all-time NHL alum (an NCAA record) when he took the ice on Saturday night. He is also the 25th Gopher Hockey player to skate in the NHL this season -- one player shy of the NCAA record and an accomplishment that has only been topped by two programs in NCAA history including Minnesota itself 2017-18.
Meyers is the latest Gopher to score in his first NHL game -- joining an impressive list of Maroon & Gold skaters to score in their professional debut that includes Justin Holl (Watch), Vinni Lettieri (Watch) and Hudson Fasching (Watch).
Most NHL Alums in a Single Season (Per College Hockey Inc.)
26 - Minnesota (2017-18)
26 - Boston College (2013-14)
25 - Minnesota (2021-22)
25 - Michigan (2008-09)
"I kind of just blanked out," Meyers said. "Wasn't thinking much, but it was a pretty special moment. Great plays by my linemates to take it to the net, and I was just fortunate to get the rebound there."
Not surprised. Not one bit.
— Minnesota Men's Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 17, 2022
Ben Meyers with his first NHL goal in his first NHL game!!#Gophers x #GoAvsGo
pic.twitter.com/TS3HG3G7dy
After a collegiate season that saw Meyers earn Hobey Baker Award Hat Trick Finalist, Second Team All-America and Big Ten Player of the Year honors (along with a roster spot on the U.S. Olympic team), the forward signed a two-year, entry level contract with the Avalanche as a free agent earlier this week and became the University of Minnesota's 119th all-time NHL alum (an NCAA record) when he took the ice on Saturday night. He is also the 25th Gopher Hockey player to skate in the NHL this season -- one player shy of the NCAA record and an accomplishment that has only been topped by two programs in NCAA history including Minnesota itself 2017-18.
Meyers is the latest Gopher to score in his first NHL game -- joining an impressive list of Maroon & Gold skaters to score in their professional debut that includes Justin Holl (Watch), Vinni Lettieri (Watch) and Hudson Fasching (Watch).
That first game puck mood 🥰#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/LkFUxshqhV
— z - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 17, 2022
Most NHL Alums in a Single Season (Per College Hockey Inc.)
26 - Minnesota (2017-18)
26 - Boston College (2013-14)
25 - Minnesota (2021-22)
25 - Michigan (2008-09)
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