On the same night that Alex Ovechkin scored his 50th and 51st goal, Joe Snively, a college UFA signed two weeks ago by the Capitals, marked his own milestone.
Playing in his first professional hockey game with the Hershey Bears, Snively scored his first goal, which happened to be the game-winning goal for the Bears.
Snively, who went to Yale, grew up in Herndon, Virginia, and was a member of the Washington Little Capitals, a youth hockey team that practices at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
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Tied game in the 3rd period. Sellout crowd at home. First pro game. Sounds like a great time for your first pro GOAL! CONGRATS JOE!! #HBH #DefendTheDen pic.twitter.com/Xnltzd7yJI
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 31, 2019
Snively’s goal came on a rebound. After waiting for Zane McIntyre to slide out of position, Snively deposited the puck into the empty net.
Snively’s celebration was adorable as he ran in place on the ice. He was then embraced by his linemates in a happy team hug. Nathan Walker made sure to fetch the milestone puck from the net.
After the game, Snively took a photo in the player of the game astronaut helmet.
1st game
1st goal
1st GWGOUTTA THIS WORLD! #HBH #DefendTheDen pic.twitter.com/RYrOdu7wLC
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 31, 2019
Snively got a solo lap around the ice before the game.
It’s your debut, kid! Joe Snively led the Bears onto the ice for warmups with the solo lap! #HBH #DefendTheDen pic.twitter.com/zYsH9Hkkii
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 30, 2019
The first goal in the game came from Devante Smith-Pelly, marking his sixth goal in his time playing for Hershey.
With tonight’s win, Hershey now sits third in their division with 81 points. Only the Charlotte Checkers have clinched a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.
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