Arrr, a brave matey doth score a goal, despite a puck smacking his gob! What a swashbucklin' tale!
2024-01-30
Ye could be sayin' Utica Comets' old salt Joe Gambardella found himself in the proper spot at the proper hour fer his 6th tally this season, but alas, it came at a cost.
In a comical incident during a game between the Utica Comets and the Rochester Americans, AHL player Graeme Clarke unintentionally scored a goal by hitting his teammate Joe Gambardella in the face with the puck. The Utica Comets, affiliated with the New Jersey Devils, faced the Buffalo Sabres’ affiliate team, the Rochester Americans, on Friday night when Clarke took a wrist shot towards the net. However, the puck ended up hitting Gambardella's face and ricocheting into the goal, catching the Americans' netminder off guard.Gambardella, realizing the unusual goal, immediately grabbed his injured face and skated towards the bench to seek medical attention. It was the second goal for Utica and Gambardella's sixth goal of the season, contributing to their 4-0 victory over the Americans.
Despite the momentary pain and bloody mouth, Gambardella can now proudly claim an unforgettable goal in his hockey career. The Staten Island native, who has had some NHL experience with the Edmonton Oilers in the past, has been with the Devils' system since the 2021-22 season. In the current season, he has accumulated six goals and 14 assists, totaling 20 points in 37 games.
This humorous incident demonstrates the unpredictable nature of sports and how bizarre moments can sometimes lead to unexpected success. While Gambardella may not have intended to score in such a peculiar way, his misfortune turned into a memorable achievement that he will likely remember for the rest of his career.