Only 11 goalies have scored a goal in the history of the nhl with the first coming in 1979 and the last in 2013

Only 11 goalies have scored a goal in the history of the NHL, with the first coming in 1979 and the last in 2013.

The world of hockey has witnessed countless incredible moments over the years, but there’s a unique achievement that stands out among the rest. Can you imagine a goalie, known primarily for stopping goals, actually scoring one? It may sound like a rarity and you’d be absolutely right. In the history of the National Hockey League (NHL), only 11 exceptional goalies have ever achieved this incredible feat.

According to USA Today, the first goalie to achieve this remarkable accomplishment was Ron Hextall on December 8, 1987, playing for the Philadelphia Flyers. It was a moment that sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world and forever etched Hextall’s name in the record books. However, it would be nearly a decade before another goalie could join this exclusive club.

On March 21, 1997, Chris Osgood of the Detroit Red Wings became the second goalie in NHL history to score a goal. For those fortunate enough to witness such a rare event, it was nothing short of astonishing. Osgood’s goal not only showcased his exceptional skills between the pipes but also added a new layer of excitement to the game.

Over the course of time, more remarkable goalies have left their mark on history by scoring goals. Players like Martin Brodeur, José Théodore, Evgeni Nabokov, Mika Noronen, and Cam Ward have all contributed to this prestigious list. Each goal scored by a goalie further added to the mystique and fascination surrounding this uncommon achievement.

It is important to note that scoring a goal as a goalie is no easy task. These individuals not only have to excel in their primary role of stopping shots but also possess incredible vision, accuracy, and the ability to seize the right opportunity to make their mark on the score sheet. This rare display of offensive prowess sets these goalies apart from their peers and adds an extra layer of excitement whenever they cross the center line.

As years passed, the pace of goalie goals slowed down, making each occurrence even more exceptional. The last goalie to score a goal in the NHL, as of 2013, was none other than Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes (now the Arizona Coyotes). Smith’s unique achievement on October 19th, 2013, marked a special moment in hockey history. With his name etched alongside the other ten extraordinary goalies, Smith became part of an elite group that stands alone in the annals of the sport.

To summarize, the fact that only 11 goalies have scored a goal in the history of the NHL, with the first coming in 1979 and the last in 2013, highlights the rarity and significance of this remarkable feat. These exceptional athletes have defied expectations, showcased their offensive skills, and left a lasting impression on the world of hockey. As new goaltenders take the ice and dreams of scoring a goal dance in their heads, the legacy of these 11 remarkable individuals lives on.