The Show-Stealing Marc Gatcomb Talks His Big Game, Witnessing History

ELMONT, N.Y. — While the entire NHL world focused on Alexander Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals scored record, Marc Gatcomb stole the show.

In his just 33rd NHL game, Gatcomb scored two more goals to push his total up to eight on the season. He’s a rookie, who went undrafted. Then, he played four seasons at the University of Connecticut, before signing an AHL deal with the Abbortsford Canucks.

He spent two seasons there and over his 106 AHL games, he scored 12 goals and recorded 28 total points. At one point during his first professional season, he even played in six ECHL games.

Safe to say, it’s been a long journey for Gatcomb, one where his hard work all led to that moment yesterday afternoon. After the game, Gatcomb spoke with me about the game and his emotions one-on-one before a larger scrum with the other man of the hour took place.

Discussion with Gatcomb:

Q- Just, how does it all feel after today’s game?

A- It’s great. First of all, it’s a huge win [for us] and huge congratulations to him [Ovechkin]. I mean, that’s a record that a lot of people never thought could be broken. It’s insane how many little games he’s done it. So it’s it’s pretty cool to witness. It’s obviously a special night for him, his family, the whole league, everyone. So it’s cool to be a part of that.

Q- Three months ago, you were still down in Bridgeport. Now you’re here, and the journey leads to this moment. How special is this all for you?

A- It’s awesome. I mean, everyone dreams of playing in the NHL [and to score like that]. But to witness, I mean, history, it’s pretty cool. It’s pretty awesome. You know, I’m sure in a couple of years from now, I’ll still reflect on it. And it’s something that I’ll remember forever. It’s pretty cool to be a part of. Yeah, it’s awesome.

Q- How hard was it to keep focus during the ceremony, then your first shift back out you score again, walk me through the whole process.

A- Yeah in the moment, a little star struck there. It’s pretty cool. You see [Wayne] Gretzky come out, obviously the huge ceremony for him. So, like I said before, it’s pretty cool. And then to go out the next shift and get a goal is obviously big for us in the game, momentum-wise. So it was pretty cool. It was a great play by Marty [Matt Martin].