NHL referee Jordan Samuels-Thomas signaled San Jose Sharks rookie Collin Graf's first NHL goal, highlighting their shared connection to Quinnipiac University. Graf, playing in his 18th NHL game, recorded his first goal, bringing joy to his parents who were visiting. He humorously noted his dad's encouragement to score after flying in to see him play. Samuels-Thomas, the first African American referee in NHL history, also a Quinnipiac alum, previously made historic plays in Quinnipiac's Frozen Four run. The moment underlines the interconnectivity of hockey and personal stories within the sport.
It's a dream come true. I was fortunate enough for my parents to be here. My dad called me when he landed, and he was like, if I flew all the way out here, you better score. I made sure that his trip out here was worth the money.
What made the goal even more special was Graf and Samuels-Thomas' connection to Quinnipiac. Samuels-Thomas, the first African American referee in NHL history, also attended Quinnipiac.
Samuels-Thomas scored the opening goal in the 2013 Frozen Four semi-final and assisted on the game-winning goal, which sent Quinnipiac to its first-ever National Championship game.
A story like this can show how closely the sport of hockey and the people who play in it are connected in so many ways.
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