New York Rangers center Glenn Gawdin achieved a major career milestone on Friday night, scoring his first two NHL goals during a 5-1 victory against the Vancouver Canucks. The performance brought a memorable end to the team’s four-game road trip.
A Decade-Long Pathway
The 29-year-old forward has spent years working to secure a regular roster spot in the NHL. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, Gawdin accumulated 487 career games in the American Hockey League across stints with the Stockton Heat, San Diego Gulls, Ontario Reign, and Hartford Wolf Pack.
Prior to signing a two-year deal worth $850,000 annually with New York during the offseason, Gawdin had appeared in just 12 NHL contests split between the Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks. An early-season injury to Joe Veleno created an opening at fourth-line center for the Rangers, leading to a rotating cast of players filling the position.
Gawdin started this season with Hartford before receiving a call-up to the Rangers on Nov. 10. He learned about his promotion midway through an AHL game in Springfield, quickly packing his belongings with help from his wife before traveling through Denver and Calgary to connect with the team.
Memorable Night in British Columbia
The matchup at Rogers Arena carried personal significance for Gawdin, who grew up in British Columbia and played in front of 10 to 12 friends and family members. He registered his first NHL goal during the second period after Vancouver goaltender Leevi Meriläinen committed a turnover, allowing Gawdin to gather the puck and place a low shot past him.
Fewer than five minutes later, Gawdin scored his second goal of the evening by deflecting Vladislav Gavrikov’s shot off his skate and into the net.
“It’s special,” Gawdin said of his achievement. “I think anywhere it would have been special, but to do it in Vancouver is that much sweeter.”
Reflecting on the challenges of his long minor-league career, Gawdin expressed appreciation for his personal support system. “There’s a lot that goes through your mind over the years,” Gawdin said. “Credit to the circle around me. Credit to my wife. They pushed me when I need it. I think the success tonight, they have an equal part in that.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan praised Gawdin’s steady progression over his initial appearances with the team. “Gawds, I think he’s had two pretty good games. I think he played better today than he did the first hame, and him and I had that conversation. That first game when you get called up is not easy. The pace of play is different, and he’s also trying to get comfortable with the group. I was thrilled for him.”
