Drury Scores First Two NHL Goals

Ted Drury coming through in the clutch--a familiar formula for three years of Harvard Crimson hockey.

The 1992-93 men's hockey captain has taken his flair for the dramatic to the National Hockey League, erupting with two big goals for Calgary in the Flames' 3-2 overtime win over the Washington Capitals Monday night at the Olympic Saddledome in Calgary.

Drury not only scored a goal with 1:57 left in the third period to give the Flames a 2-1 lead, but he also redirected Chris Dahlquist's blue-line shot past goalie Rick Tabaracci 2:57 into overtime to win the game.

"I was shocked--I couldn't believe they went in," Drury said. "It's really a special thing, something to remember."

The two tallies marked Drury's first two career NHL goals. He had picked up two assists in the team's first nine games.

As in baseball, where teammates retrieve the ball from a player's first base hit, the Flames retrieved the puck out of the net from Drury's first goal.

That puck is now mounted in Drury's Calgary hotel room, where he has been living since the start of the year.

"Anytime you score your first goal in the NHL, it's a wonderful thing," Flames teammate Wes Walz said.

Turned Professional Last Year

Drury decided to turn professional after his junior year. He has the option in his contract of playing on the United States Olympic Team starting January 1, 1994.

Drury's role on the Flames differs greatly from his role at Harvard. His primary job is centering the third line, although he has also seen some action on the first and second lines.

"I'm not one of the big guns, but I'm just happy to be playing at all," Drury said. "All the players are very smart here and don't make many mistakes."

Flames coach Dave King is also taking advantage of Drury's superior defensive skills by pairing him at times with All-Star Theoren Fleury on penalty-killing.

"He has a great attitude and work ethic every day," Harvard Coach Ronn Tomassoni said. "Dave King is not just going to put anyone out there [on penalty killing]."

Another adjustment for Drury is the disappearance of the hallowed crimson and white number 18 jersey. Instead, he must don a red, yellow and white number 27.

"Trent Yawney has [number 18]," Drury said. "I didn't ask him for it."

"He's playing in the best league in the world," Tomassoni said. "It's been his goal since he was a young man."