Record breakers, history makers, and more

3 March 2024

Top 5 Dragons’ goals from 2023/24

With regular season done, it’s a good time to take stock of the highlights of the previous 68 games. Today, let’s have a look at some of our favorite goals from the past season. From moments that rewrote history to terrific team plays, there’s something for everyone here (unless you’re an opposing goalie).

Number 5 – Devin Brosseau vs Sochi, Feb. 20, 2024

This one gets the nod for its historical significance. When Devin Brosseau put the Dragons up 2-0 against Sochi, he potted his 22^nd goal of the season and became our all-time leading goalscorer in a single regular season. Tyler Wong’s feed from behind the net created the chance, and a sniper of Devin’s quality needed no second invitation. It was Red Star’s second goal in 15 seconds in the game, a double breakthrough that set up a 4-0 victory.

Number 4 – Brandon McMillan vs Dynamo Moscow, Nov. 8, 2023

This was another goal for the history books. Brandon’s overtime winner in Moscow brought us a first-ever victory over Dynamo. That finally completed the set: no KHL opponent can boast of an unbeaten record against the Dragons any more. After holding Dynamo to 2-2 in regulation, the guys got on the power play in the extras. With the man advantage, Teemu Pulkkinen sent the puck down the boards for Tyler Wong. McMillan was alert to the opportunity, peeling away to the back door. Goalie Maxim Motorygin was over-committed on the short side, and Wonger’s pass gave Brandon a huge target for his game-winning one-timer.

Number 3 – Austin Wong vs Avtomobilist, Dec. 2, 2023

Now we’re moving into subjective territory. This season was something of a learning curve for Austin Wong after he joined his brother in the Dragons’ Lair. But our Harvard graduate is learning fast, and finished off a lovely combination for the best goal of one of our best wins of the season. It all started with a beautiful behind-the-back pass from Tyler Graovac to Kyle Wood. Austin tracked the play to slot, where he rifled home a one-timer off Wood’s feed to make it 2-0 on the way to a 5-2 win.

Number 2 – Jake Chelios vs Admiral Vladivostok, Feb. 2, 2024

This play stands out for us thanks to the unexpectedly delicate finish from Chelios. We’re used to seeing him as a hard-hitting defenseman, but here he joined the rush, collected a pass from Brandon Yip, and, after getting up close on Sergei Ivanov, completely deceived the goalie with a deft, accurate shot that might have come from the Pavel Datsyuk playbook. Don’t miss the cute no-look feed from Tyler Graovac to Yipper in the build-up, either.

Number 1 – Ryan Merkley vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, Oct. 27, 2023

Sometimes, it’s easier just to do it all yourself. That’s clearly what Ryan Merkley decided against Neftekhimik. Ryan intercepted an attempted clearance in center ice, had a look around and spotted a path to goal. His rush took him between two bewildered defensemen. They forced him wide, but couldn’t stop him picking out a great finish from a tight angle. The play came at a crucial time in the game, continuing our recovery from 0-2 and setting us on course for a shoot-out win.