It was a milestone day for former Kamloops Blazers defenceman Olen Zellweger.
The Anaheim Ducks defenceman scored his first career NHL goal, in the Ducks’ 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Sunday, March 31.
“I came off the bench and jumped in the play and [Isac Lundestrom] made a good drop pass to me and I kind of just got some room there, and saw a little spot the and the puck went it,” Zellweger said, post-game.
“It’s a dream for anyone to score their first NHL goal so I’m pretty happy to be able to do it.”
Zellweger’s goal early in the third period got the Ducks on the board to make it a 2-1 game. While Anaheim was able to tie things up a short while late, the Canucks retook the lead and then held on for the win.
🚨 OLEN ZELLWEGER FIRST NHL GOAL 🚨
What a snipe! #FlyTogether | @OlenZellweger pic.twitter.com/AZPKNA2t7K
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 31, 2024
A native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., Zellweger now has four points in 19 NHL games with the Ducks. He has 37 points (12 goals and 25 assists) in 44 games with the American Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls this season.
The reigning CHL Defenceman of the Year, Zellweger tallied up 52 points (22 goals and 30 assists) in a Blazers jersey following the blockbuster Jan. 8 trade with the Everett Silvertips. He followed that up with 29 points (11 goals and 18 assists) in 14 playoff games.
Having your family see your first NHL goal in person is really special.
🧡 to the Zellwegers. #FlyTogether | @OlenZellweger pic.twitter.com/tbyJLW30Xg
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 31, 2024