For years, I have been threatening to do a blog about the goals I scored in the NHL. I figured it wouldn't take long. There were only two of 'em.
This one was my first and it was a real beauty. Guy Lafleur had nothing on me. I'm joking of course. The goal was a lucky one. I never got full control of the puck and it slid under the goalie's arm and trickled over the goal line. You could read the "NHL" label on the puck as it went in.
So, no, it's wasn't a top-shelf beauty or a slick deke that turned the goalie inside out. Marc Tardif made a legitimately nice play. I just saw a big seam, went to the net, and got rewarded for it.
At the end of the day, though, there are no style points added to a goal. Goes in off your shinpad? That's fine. Goes in off your skate? No problem, as long as it wasn't a "distinct kicking motion" (as the NHL Rule Book not-so-clearly defines). Bounces in off an opposing player? They're part of the ice surface as far as the legality of a goal goes. Goalie makes a spectacular glove save but does so just behind the goal line? It's a goal.
I had not seen my first goal in many years, but could have described it without the benefit of video. Even so, I greatly appreciate that someone took the time to upload it to YouTube. Goal scoring wasn't my role -- I was no star -- but it doesn't matter who you are. Any player's first NHL goal is a thrill and a memory he can instantly recall for the rest of his life.
Because of my own experiences as a player, I always took enjoyment as a referee when a tough guy or fourth line checker would score his first NHL goal in a game I officiated. When the goals are rare, they're all the more special to the guy who scores it.
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A 2018 inductee into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • 
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