By: Matt Rothman
Playing in his 12th NHL game, Parkland’s own Andrew Peeke of the Columbus Blue Jackets scored his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils Sunday night.
The Blue Jackets ended up losing 4-3 in a shootout, but it was a moment he will remember for the rest of his life.
“It was a special moment for me,” Peeke said on Twitter. “It’s every kid’s dream to score their first goal. Words can’t really explain those couple of seconds after it goes in, so it was pretty special. Disappointed we couldn’t pull out the win.”
After growing up in Parkland and playing for the Florida Panthers Youth Affiliate, Peeke went on to play for Notre Dame in College. He was drafted 34th overall in the 2016 NHL draft and signed his first professional contract with Columbus in April of 2019.
While he did not play in the postseason, Peeke made his NHL debut on December 5 against the New York Rangers. He had one assist before Sunday night’s against the Washington Capitals before scoring the opening goal against the Devils.
With an injury to Seth Jones on the blue line, Peeke’s time came quicker than expected this season and will likely be a crucial part of the Blue Jackets during their stretch run this season.