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Ben Kindel scores memorable goal in homecoming game in front of a sea of friends and family
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Tonight, Penguins rookie Ben Kindel celebrated a special moment as he returned home to Western Canada for the first time and scored a goal in front of family.
Ben Kindel has been one of the biggest surprises this season across the entire NHL making his debut just months after being drafted in the first round.
After being selected 11th overall Kindel was expected to return to the WHL's Calgary Hitmen to continue his development.
However, after a fantastic start to the year Kindel made the roster and has provided a key third-line center for the Penguins.
Tonight, he took the ice in Vancouver just 35 minutes from his hometown of Coquitlam, British Columbia.
With the proximity to home Kindel had an armada of family and friends in attendance and he was able to step up and have a career best night in Vancouver.
Ben Kindel dominates in homecoming game with family and friends in attendance
Kindel came into tonight's game on a scoring drought desperately searching for a goal to get himself back on track offensively.
Midway through the second period with the Penguins up 1-0 Kindel's moment came as he buried a goal while battling at the front of the net.
The goal was celebrated by the over 150 people in a suite there to see the British Columbia native achieve his dreams.
The magic wouldn't end after just one goal though as Kindel would find his way to the back of the net again later on this time with a snipe.
The pair of goals now puts Kindel at 10 for the season to go along with 12 assists for 22 total points as a rookie.
Kindel's success in Vancouver vaulted his team to a big win over the Canucks as the Penguins continue to try and cement their spot near the top of the Metropolitan Division.
Now, Kindel will try and capture the momentum from this incredible night and continue to produce consistently for the Penguins going forward.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 25|181 ANSWERS Ben Kindel scores memorable goal in homecoming game in front of a sea of friends and family Will Ben Kindel win rookie of the year for the Pittsburgh Penguins | ||
| Yes | 132 | 72.9 % |
| No | 49 | 27.1 % |
| List of polls | ||