Matt Boldy is returning to Minnesota with a memory that's even more special than earning a win in his NHL debut.
During the second period of Wild's 3-2 victory over the Bruins on Thursday night, Boldy scored his first career goal as his family cheered him on from the stands at TD Garden. He scored off a give-and-go feed from Marcus Foligno in front of the Boston net. The goal proved to be the game-winner.
MATT BOLDY GOAL. SEND TWEET.#mnwild pic.twitter.com/TCuIorzjmU
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 7, 2022
Just checking in on the Boldy family... 🥺#mnwild pic.twitter.com/fCdRnisbOL
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 7, 2022
Boldy, 20, was at home playing in Boston. He is from Milford, Mass., and played collegiately for Boston College. The forward led the Eagles with 23 points and 15 assists during the 2020-21 season and tied for the team lead with eight goals.
"Really exciting. Everything I could have dreamed of, for sure," Boldy said postgame.
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The Wild's social media accounts had some fun celebrating Boldy's achievement and the "special trip," and shared a photo of the rookie smiling and holding the puck from the goal.
successful trip 😌#mnwild pic.twitter.com/u9ewhhuU7r
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 7, 2022
BIG smiles for goal #1!!!#mnwild pic.twitter.com/hXPRVFx8Pw
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 7, 2022
The Wild selected Boldy with the 12th overall pick in 2019 NHL Draft. He was the last top-20 pick of the class to make his debut in the league.
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Minnesota called up Boldy and Marco Rossi from the Iowa Wild, Minnesota's AHL affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday. Over the past two seasons with Iowa, Boldy had 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 24 games.
Boldy also played for Team USA in the 2021 World Junior Championship. He had seven points in seven games (five goals, two assists).