The Montreal Canadians defeated the Anaheim Ducks, 3-2, in overtime Thursday, but Notre Dame hockey fans will remember this one for a different reason. Earlier in the day, the Habs recalled former Irish captain Jake Evans, who proceeded to play in his first NHL game. Evans, who played 158 games for the Irish from 2014 to 2018 and concluded his collegiate career in the national title game, has spent the past two seasons with the Laval Rocket of the AHL.
In 11 minutes, 19 seconds of ice time Thursday, Evans recorded two shots on goal, registered two hits, blocked two shots and had one takeaway. Per Daily Faceoff, Evans played right wing on Montreal’s third line alongside Ilya Kovalchuk and Max Domi.
Two of Evans’ teammates from college also have played their first NHL games this season. Andrew Peeke has played seven games for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Jordan Gross has suited up twice for the Arizona Coyotes. Both have since been returned to their AHL teams.