Chmelar Scores First NHL Goal
Jaroslav Chmelar scored his first career NHL goal, celebrated by the official NHL account with a highlight video that garnered 800+ likes. The milestone moment came during what appears to be a breakthrough performance for the rookie.
Jaroslav Chmelar's first NHL goal came in his seventh career game, a 6-2 victory for the New York Rangers over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The rookie forward scored on a breakaway in the third period to extend the Rangers' lead to 4-2. The goal was also his first career NHL point. The New York Rangers selected Chmelar in the fifth round, 144th overall, of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning professional, the Czech forward played two seasons of collegiate hockey at Providence College. Standing at 6-foot-4, Chmelar signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers on March 20, 2024. He spent time with the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, before his call-up to the NHL. On the international stage, Chmelar represented his native Czechia at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2022 and 2023, winning a silver medal at the 2023 tournament.
