On Sunday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Hunter Brzustewicz finally had his moment.
The young blueliner found the back of the net for the first time in his NHL career, a milestone that every player dreams of, no matter how it comes. The Flames ultimately fell 4-3 in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks, but Brzustewicz’s goal was a bright spot in a game that also showcased a more cohesive effort from Calgary.
And if you’re wondering how much the goal meant to him, just ask Adam Klapka-who celebrated by lifting Brzustewicz off the ice in a bear hug. As Brzustewicz put it with a laugh, “He picked me up and twirled me around like I was a stringbean.”
Brzustewicz’s goal marked the fourth time this season a Flames prospect has scored their first NHL goal-a promising sign for a franchise looking to usher in its next generation of contributors. Let’s take a closer look at each of those special moments.
Matvei Gridin
Date: October 8, 2025
Opponent: Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place
Time of Goal: 12:50 into the second period
Career Game: 1st
Welcome to the NHL, Matvei Gridin. In his very first game, the Flames were down 3-0 to the Oilers when Gridin made something happen off the rush.
Trying to connect with Matt Coronato in the slot, Gridin’s pass instead ricocheted off Edmonton’s Noah Philp and slipped past Stuart Skinner. Not the prettiest goal, but they all count the same-and for Gridin, it was a memorable start to what the Flames hope is a long NHL journey.
Sam Honzek
Date: October 28, 2025
Opponent: Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena
Time of Goal: 14:49 into the third period
Career Game: 14th
Late in a tight game in Toronto, the Flames were down 3-2 and pushing for the equalizer. The Leafs made a costly turnover trying to exit their own zone, and veteran Mikael Backlund pounced on it.
He fed the puck to Honzek in the slot, and the young forward didn’t hesitate-beating Anthony Stolarz with a quick release to tie the game. It was a clutch goal in a big moment, and a glimpse of the poise Honzek brings to the ice.
Yan Kuznetsov
Date: November 28, 2025
Opponent: Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena
Career Game: 13th
Kuznetsov’s first NHL goal was a solo effort-and a beauty. With Calgary trailing 2-0, the defenseman carried the puck through the neutral zone, gained the blue line with speed, and let a wrist shot fly.
It beat Daniil Tarasov clean, cutting into Florida’s lead and giving the Flames a spark. For a player known more for his defensive acumen, it was a confident offensive play that showed what he’s capable of when he jumps into the rush.
Hunter Brzustewicz
Date: January 25, 2026
Opponent: Anaheim Ducks at Scotiabank Saddledome
Career Game: 18th
Brzustewicz’s goal came with the Flames up 1-0, following a clean offensive zone face-off win. He pinched in from the point, looking to thread a pass to Joel Farabee on the far side.
Instead, the puck caught a piece of Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe’s stick and redirected past Lukas Dostal inside the far post. Not exactly how he drew it up, but it found twine-and that’s all that matters.
Four different first goals. Four different stories.
But they all point to the same thing: the Flames’ youth movement is gaining traction. Whether it’s a fortunate bounce, a heads-up finish, or a confident solo rush, these goals are more than just stats-they’re snapshots of growth, belief, and potential.
And for a team looking to build something sustainable, those are the moments that matter most.