Emotional Reasoning Behind This Oilers First NHL Goal Revealed

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Joshua Deeds
November 18, 2023 (4:11 PM)

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On November 7th, Edmonton Oilers prospect James Hamblin was called up on an emergency basis.

The Edmonton Oilers signed Hamblin to an entry-level contract in March of 2022.

Upon being called up, Hamblin slotted in on the 4th line against the Tampa Bay Lightning today.

With 15 NHL games under his belt, Hamblin scored his first NHL goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

As soon as he achieved the goal, which was an emotionally charged event, he thanked one person for it all: his mother.

ames hamblin grew up an edmonton oilers fan. now, wearing their jersey, he has hit first nhl goal.

As Hamblin looked skyward after tapping his heart twice in honor of his mother Gina, who died of cancer in 2017, he dedicated all of his hard work and effort to her.

A special moment & a special celebration for James Hamblin.

"That's for you, mom."

It's great to see the Edmonton native on the ice and producing for the team he loves, wearing a crest he loves.

What a moment for James Hamblin & his family.

Scores his first NHL goal and immediately taps his heart and looks skyward.

That was for his Mom, Gina. He lost his mother to cancer back in 2017. Incredibly touching. #Oilers

James Hamblin on his Mom's passing last year:

«She's the biggest thing for me. I'm kind of going on & being who she was. That's really big for me. She was an amazing person.»

Thank you for sharing a beautiful moment with the hockey world today, James.

Congratulations. #Oilers

The Bakersfield Condors signed Hamblin to a two-year contract in 2020, and he is now producing in the NHL, proving he is what the team needs.