NEWS

Former Huntsville Otter Justin Hodgman (photo credit:  Norm Hall/Arizona Coyotes) made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut on Saturday night for the Arizona Coyotes and made it even more special by scoring his first career goal.

Getting the call-up from the Coyotes AHL farm team, the Portland Pirates, Hodgman made his long-awaited debut after spending years bouncing around the minor leagues and Europe/Russia.  Playing with fellow-OJHL graduate Mike Smith between the pipes, Hodgman made a significant contribution by tying the game at one midway through the 3rd period of play with a power play goal that marked the first of his young NHL career.  The goal spurred the Coyotes on to a 2-1 victory in overtime and earned him the Coyotes Player of the Game wrestling belt in the dressing room afterwards.

For the full game summary, please CLICK HERE.

The native of Brampton, Ontario played the 2004-05 season with the Huntsville Otters, recording 20 points in 44 games as a 16-year old.  He then made the jump to the OHL with the Erie Otters before bouncing around the minor leagues in the IHL, ECHL, AHL and Russia's KHL.

Congratulations to Justin on living out his dream!