Kavin Mistry/NHLI via Getty Images
As if making his NHL debut at the age of 20-years old wasn’t enough, Washington Capitals defenseman Vincent Iorio picked up his first NHL point in the Caps’ throttling of the San Jose Sharks.
The point came on a primary assist to captain Alex Ovechkin’s second goal of the game.
Alex Ovechkin gets to the net and scores again for Washington’s 7th goal of the evening, 7-3 Capitals!#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/UXLldthZBy
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) March 5, 2023
Vinny was 2 when Ovi made his NHL debut.
Tonight, he helped assist on the #Gr8‘s 815th career goal for his first career point. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ZhV6izAKJF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 5, 2023
Iorio, the 55th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and the fourth blueliner of his draft class to debut in the NHL, was recalled along with Gabriel Carlsson from the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears as a result of injuries to Nick Jensen and Martin Fehervary.
In 51 Games Played with the Bears this season, the rearguard has recorded 17 Points; his point total ranks second on the Bears amongst blueliners.
Iorio’s family (parents, sister, and grandparents) were in attendance to see his first game as an NHL defenseman.
HUGE night for defenseman Vincent Iorio making a legendary rookie debut!@alexalandestoy pic.twitter.com/aCx6k9o7OA
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 5, 2023
Grandpa Iorio celebrating Vinny’s first point got us 🥹 pic.twitter.com/VKxB3zjdwf
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 5, 2023
VINNY’S FIRST CAREER POINT IS A PRIMARY HELPER ON AN OVI GOAL!!!!!!!#ALLCAPS | @LeidosInc pic.twitter.com/qu8U3le8kh
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 5, 2023
Post-game, Iorio called it “pretty special” to record his first NHL point on a goal by Ovechkin.
.@RealSmokinAl caught up with Iorio after his impressive performance tonight vs. San Jose. #CapsSharks pic.twitter.com/GJoihQjcP1
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 5, 2023
To cap off a memorable night for the young blueliner, he was awarded the celebratory fire hose as the team’s player of the game.
A perfect ending to his NHL debut#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/6BJOtmViuw
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 5, 2023