From Undrafted to Unforgettable: Avery Hayes’ NHL Debut
It isn’t every day that a player steps onto NHL ice for the first time and looks like they have been there for years. But in January 2026, that is exactly what happened. Avery Hayes didn’t just make an appearance for the Pittsburgh Penguins; he made a statement.
For fans of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, seeing one of our own succeed at the next level is always a proud moment. We watch them grind, develop, and refine their skills right here at home. However, Hayes’ performance wasn’t just a success story — it was one for the history books.
The Long Road to the Show
Hayes’ path to the NHL wasn’t paved with the typical accolades of a high-round draft pick. In fact, he went completely undrafted during his eligibility year. For many young athletes, silence on draft day signals a closed door. For Hayes, it was simply fuel for the fire.
He fought for every inch of ice, playing his way into an opportunity through sheer determination and skill. His story is a testament to a simple hockey truth: it doesn’t matter how you start; it matters how hard you work when nobody is watching. He earned his spot on the roster not because of pedigree, but because he proved he could play at the highest level.
A Record-Breaking Night
When he finally got the call-up to Pittsburgh, Hayes wasted absolutely no time making his presence felt. In the very first period of his NHL debut, he found the back of the net not once, but twice.
Scoring a single goal in a debut is a dream come true for any hockey player. Scoring two in the opening twenty minutes is legendary. He instantly showcased the offensive instincts and finishing touch that WBS fans have known about for a long time. The energy he brought to the ice was electric, signaling to the league that he had officially arrived.
Making History by the Numbers
To understand the magnitude of this achievement, we have to look at the record books. By burying those two pucks, Hayes became just the third player in Pittsburgh Penguins history to score multiple goals in his debut game.
The statistics get even more impressive when you look at the league as a whole. Hayes is only the seventh player in the entire history of the NHL to score multiple goals in the first period of a debut game. It was a rare feat that places him in an elite group of scorers.
WBS Penguins Pride
We take immense pride in our development program here in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and Hayes is a shining example of that process working. He is the second player who started their career with WBS to achieve a multi-goal debut for the big club.
It serves as a reminder that the road to Pittsburgh goes through Wilkes-Barre. Every night at Mohegan Sun Arena, you aren’t just watching AHL hockey; you are watching the future stars of the National Hockey League.
Witness the Next Generation
Avery Hayes has officially arrived, and his electric start serves as inspiration for every player currently grinding in the minors. Who is the next breakout star waiting for their call-up? There is only one way to find out.
Don’t miss your chance to see the next generation of talent right here in our backyard. Join us for the next home game and cheer on the future of the organization.
