Avery Hayes made a notable NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday in Buffalo, scoring twice in his first game. Hayes became only the third player in franchise history to score multiple goals in his debut, joining Jake Guentzel and Rob Brown. He is also the seventh player in league history—and just the fourth since 1917—to score two or more goals in the first period of an NHL debut. Additionally, he is now the 12th undrafted player to accomplish this feat since the draft began.
“Right now, I can’t really put it into words,” said Hayes after Pittsburgh’s 5-2 victory. “I’m just excited to see my family after they were able to make the trip. So, I have no words right now, but it was a ton of fun.”
His parents, Paul and Mandy, traveled from Michigan and described their reaction: “We’re all in tears!” Mandy said during the first intermission. “Our youngest son (Elijah) is with us, he’s crying. We’re so happy. Dreams come true.” Paul added: “He’s just put in so much work. He never gave up.” Mandy continued: “He deserves every minute, every goal. He put in his all to get where he’s at today.”
Hayes’ call-up was prompted by injuries and illness among regular players Rickard Rakell and Noel Acciari. The day began unexpectedly for him; he was at an optional practice with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before being informed by team operations manager Derek Avery that he would be heading to Buffalo.
Derek Avery recounted: “I went in there, he was in the middle of a stretch…Trying to play it cool, but it’s like, let’s get out of here as quick as possible.” With limited transportation options on short notice, Derek drove Hayes himself from Pennsylvania to Buffalo.
Paul Hayes received word from team services director Jason Seidling around noon that Avery might play: “But when I talked to Jason, he said, we’re still going to get you guys there just in case he does play. We don’t want you to miss it,” Paul said.
During the drive north—lasting about four and a half hours—Avery managed some rest while Derek fielded calls related to team logistics.
Upon arrival at KeyBank Center shortly after 5 p.m., Hayes joined pre-game preparations with little time for nerves or distraction: “It wasn’t too stressful,” he said.
In his debut game against Buffalo, Hayes scored his first goal on his first shot after receiving assists from Ilya Solovyov and Rutger McGroarty. His second came later in the period following a pass from Anthony Mantha.
“It was a great chip, great exit out of the D zone,” Hayes said about his opening goal. “And I was just able to get by him, and I was lucky enough to put it low blocker.”
Derek Avery reflected on how quickly events unfolded: “As we were three blocks away, we were like, it’d be pretty crazy if you could get on the stat sheet tonight. Then he gets two ticks in the goal column…It’s nuts.”
The Penguins organization has a strong tradition of developing talent through both drafted and undrafted players. The team is recognized for its consistent competition within the NHL playoffs and division titles (official website). They are owned by Fenway Sports Group (official website) and host home games at PPG Paints Arena (official website), forming an important part of Pittsburgh’s sports culture (official website).
Head coach Dan Muse commented on how sudden yet significant this opportunity was for Hayes: “It was awesome. It’s one of those things, anybody’s first game, it’s a day they’re never gonna forget…The way it all came about is incredible.”
Hayes’ family emphasized his leadership role among siblings—one of whom is also connected with Penguins’ future prospects—and described him as “the perfect role model.”
“He’s absolutely beloved by everyone who knows him,” Muse added. “So…just him having this day…and then attack that moment the way he did was unbelievable.”
