Hockey posted Jan 7, 2019 @ 07:10am by Josh Duncan

VIDEO: Former Blazer Rudolfs Balcers scores 1st career NHL goal

Kamloops Blazers fans are used to seeing Rudolfs Balcers scoring goals.

The Latvian scored 40 goals in 66 games during his one season in Kamloops before turning pro and joining the San Jose Sharks’ farm team.

<who>Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow

Prior to the season, he was dealt to the Ottawa Senators and has been continuing his development in the American Hockey League.

Last week, however, the 21-year-old was called up to make his NHL debut with the Sens and it didn’t take him long to make an impact.

On Sunday, in his second career game, Balcers slipped one by Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek for his first career NHL goal, bringing the Senators to within one goal of the ‘Canes.

It appeared to give the team some serious momentum as well, because Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored just eight seconds later to tie it up at four.

Ottawa’s fun was spoiled by a Justin Williams goal in the third period, giving the Hurricanes a 5-4 win on the road, but it was a night that Balcers won’t soon forget.

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