Olen Zellweger takes to the ice after being named a third-star in his NHL debut on Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo via Anaheim Ducks)
It didn’t take long for former Kamloops Blazers defenceman Olen Zellweger to pick up his first career NHL point as he made his long-awaited debut Tuesday.
The 20-year-old assisted on Sam Carrick’s powerplay goal in the first period as the Anaheim Ducks beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-2.
“It was great,” Zellweger said post-game.
“It was awesome to get the win. I was really excited there. The first few shifts were really good out there. Overall, it was a great experience. Great game.”
A native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., Zellweger only played 13 minutes and 42 seconds in his NHL debut, but he was put on the Ducks first power play unit. He was also named as the game’s third-star.
“It was good. I think the pace is a little faster,” Zellweger added of his NHL experience.
“There is little less time out there with the puck on your stick but overall I think guys make a lot of high skilled plays, and they’re looking to hit you when you’re joining the rush and stuff like that as a defenceman.”
Zellweger was named an American Hockey League All-Star earlier this month, putting up 25 points in 34 games with the San Diego Gulls this season.
No word yet if it’ll be one and done for Zellweger or if he’ll stick with the Ducks for awhile.
“You know what, I didn’t notice him that much, which was really good,” Ducks Head Coach Greg Cronin said post-game. “When I did notice him, it was offensively. He was shooting the puck. He was sliding across the offensive blue line. I think Brent Thompson did a good job managing the matchups with him.”
“I just know him from training camp. He’s tenacious, and I think he was focused on playing defense. I don’t think he was responsible for any chances against. And I think he almost scored there in the second period. I think it was a really good baptism for him in the NHL.”
The reigning CHL Defenceman of the Year, Zellweger was the Blazers’ prized pick up from the Everett Silvertips at the deadline last year as Kamloops geared up to host the Memorial Cup.
🚨 Carrick tips it in 🚨
First NHL point for Olen Zellweger with the assist! #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/lHieuzxTj7
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) January 24, 2024
