Watch: Oilers' Khaira is 3rd player of Punjabi descent to score in NHL
Here's @jujhar94's first @NHL goal again! #ARIvsEDM pic.twitter.com/wKHYHIH06e
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 17, 2017
Jujhar Khaira will want to keep that puck.
The Edmonton Oilers rookie forward scored the first goal of his career during a win over Arizona, and became only the third player of Punjabi descent to hit the back of the net at the NHL level.
That first @NHL goal smile. #ARIvsEDM pic.twitter.com/XeYvjhamTC
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 17, 2017
With the goal, Khaira - who was selected in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft - follows in the skate marks of Robin Bawa and Manny Malhotra, and carves a clearer path for those to come.
He's also looking forward to reflecting on the moment with his family.
After first @NHL goal, Jujhar says he'll be calling his parents right away. "I call them after every game & it'll be extra special tonight." pic.twitter.com/gXY09mdw2R
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 17, 2017
The Oilers won 3-1, with Khaira's tally holding up as the game-winner. Edmonton's won three in a row and five of eight in the new year.