Winnipeg Jets forward Parker Ford scored his first career goal on his NHL debut and felt very emotion while doing so.
With the Jets up 4-2 over the Boston Bruins, the 24-year-old forward playing in his first career game made his mark in his hometown in front of his family.
In his first NHL game, playing against his childhood team, Parker Ford has his first NHL goal! 🙌
And his family and friends in attendance are loving it! pic.twitter.com/MZbKNzNaaE
— NHL (@NHL) January 31, 2025
First career goals are always emotional. The journey that the players took to get to the NHL feels rewarding, their teammates are ecstatic and their families are usually in the crowd watching. For Ford, the road to the NHL was long but his hard work and patience paid off.
“I couldn’t really tell you to be honest,” said Ford about how he felt after scoring his first career goal. “I just blacked out a little bit but it was great.”
The emotions were visible on his face from the second the red light went on. A four-year NCAA player, going undrafted and paying his dues in the AHL as an undersized forward, all those factors he’s had to overcome disappeared the moment the puck crossed the line.
“I think I was just really focusing on playing my game tonight, helping the team win and now I can go see the fam and celebrate a little bit, but I was just focusing on playing my game.”
The goal was the highlight of the night for the Jets and for Ford and his family but HC Scott Arniel was quick to point out that Ford showed more of his game than just offence.
“He contributed, he was good in a lot of areas,” said Arniel about Ford. “To score a goal is a bonus but he was blocking shots, he did a good job in his end on the walls, getting pucks out and being responsible. That’s what you hope when some of these young guys come up, that it isn’t overwhelming and I thought he did a great job of looking comfortable.”
With Adam Lowry and Morgan Barron out until the 4 Nations Face-Off, Ford could get a three-game run in the Jets lineup if he continues to showcase his all-around game and build the trust of the Jets coaching staff.
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Related: Parker Ford Scores His First Career Goal; Jets Beat Bruins 6-2 To Earn Fifth Consecutive Win
Related: Jets’ Undrafted College Signing To Make NHL Debut Against The Bruins
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