Welcome home, Carson Meyer.
For the eighth time this season, a Blue Jacket made their NHL debut, when Meyer entered the game against the Boston Bruins on Monday. He only played 3:16, but with those few minutes, he realized his lifelong dream of playing in the NHL.
"Just the chance to put on that jersey in front of my whole family and friends at Nationwide, was really really special for me," said Meyer. "And I know it was just as special for my parents."
Meyer was born and raised in Powell, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, so being able to wear the sweater of his hometown team was icing on the cake. With his loved ones cheering him on and all the anticipation of playing his first game, Meyer admitted he was a bit nervous.
This has been a-long-time-coming for Meyer who has been all local for most of his hockey career. Along with current Columbus players Sean Kuraly and Jack Roslovic, the Powell native played youth hockey in the Central Ohio AAA Blue Jackets' Program. Meyer was eventually drafted in the 6th round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, followed up by playing at the Ohio State University.
He was currently in his second season with the Jackets' AHL affiliate Cleveland Monsters and was recalled in February of this year but didn't end up taking the ice. Second time was a charm for Meyer when he debuted Monday night.
Meyer was excited to get another crack at playing, just one night later in Philadelphia.
"Now that I've got my first one out of the way, I can hopefully relax and settle in and show them what I can bring to this team now." Meyer said when asked about getting another chance to suit up.
He certainly did show what he could bring, getting the primary assist (his first point in the NHL) on a Brendan Gaunce goal just two-and-a-half minutes into the game against Philly. He followed that up with his first NHL goal a little over ten minutes later. He took a beautiful pass, in front of the pipes from Zach Werenski, then slipped the puck under the leg of goaltender Carter Hart, and into the back of the net.
Meyer was rewarded for his strong effort with nearly three times as many minutes on the ice as he had in his first game.
Getting his first two points, including his first goal in the big leagues was an incredible experience for the rookie. Here is Carson in his own words describing how it felt.
However long Meyer's time with the Blue Jackets lasts, he has proven that he will give everything he has, out on the ice, for Columbus. He will never forget his time here, and neither will the 5th line.
