The Saugeen Shores Winterhawks goalie Jeff Flagler at 31 years old is in elite company having scored the game-winning goal on Friday, February 10th (2023).
After considerable research into professional hockey, Martin (Marty) Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils, is listed as the only goalie to have achieved the same standing, almost 23 years ago to the day on February 15, 2000. While there are many goals that sail into the empty net, it is rare when one is the game winner scored by the opposing goalie.
Flagler, born in Owen Sound, played in several leagues, including three years with the Walkerton Capitals as a Junior and three years with SUNY-Fredonia (State of New York Fredonia), before joining the Winterhawks in the 2016-17 season.
As a former goalie’s parent, I have watched as goalies achieve many assists (that often go unnoticed by referees), but never a game-winning goal – it is truly rare.
Congratulations Jeff.
