Sunday night was one that Calgary Flames defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Brzustewicz, who was recalled from the Calgary Wranglers in early December, was able to find the back of the net early in the first period. It marked the first goal of the 21-year-old’s NHL career.

Hang on to that puck! 🔥

That’s a first NHL goal for Hunter Brzustewicz! pic.twitter.com/iGunYWmwi5

— NHL (@NHL) January 26, 2026

“It’s been a little bit now since I’ve been called up. It feels real good. It really does,” Brzustewicz said.

Unfortunately, it didn’t come in the win that Brzustewicz and his teammates had hoped.

Despite leading 2-0 and 3-2, the Ducks were able to storm back and walk away with a 4-3 overtime victory. While frustrated by the loss, Brzustewicz was able to have a quick laugh regarding his goal celebration with Adam Klapka.

“He picked me up like I was his kid or something. I don’t even know what happened, really. He just picked me up and twirled me around like I was a little string bean out there.”

Klapka, who spent part of the 2024-25 season in the AHL with Brzustewicz, couldn’t stop smiling when asked about his friend and teammate putting home the first of his career.

“It’s special. I played with him in his first NHL game. To see him score his first goal and be on the ice with him,” Klapka said. “He’s getting better every game, every day. He’s [still] a kid and an awesome hockey player. I can’t wait to see him in the future.”

Though they weren’t able to pick up the win, Brzustewicz’s tally helped give even more life to a Flames team that came out of the gates flying. By the time the horn sounded to end the first period, they found themselves up 17-2 in the shot department.

“Ya, absolutely, however it goes in,” head coach Ryan Huska said for his thoughts on Brzustewicz’s first. “He was trying to make a pass through the seam, but it’s his first NHL goal. That’s pretty cool for him… the guys are very happy for him.”

After sitting out on Friday versus the Washington Capitals as a healthy scratch, this goal could be enough to see Brzustewicz remain in the lineup on Thursday night versus Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild.

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