The final result might not have been what he wanted, but Florida Panthers draftee Ian McCoshen (pictured here at a prospects game) had to be pretty happy to notch his first NCAA goal is his first collegiate game, a 3-1 loss to Michigan in Ann Arbor, on October 10th.
The freshmen defenseman scored at the 10:05 mark of the second period to cut the Wolverines lead to 2-1. The one-timer was set up by Boston College star Johnny Gaudreau with the secondary assist going to junior forward Danny Linell.
In addition to the goal, McCoshen finished the tilt with two shots on goal, a +1 rating and was named the game’s third star. Pretty heady stuff for a kid fresh out of the USHL.
The Faribault, MN native didn’t have to wait long to taste victory as the Eagles skated to 7-2 win on home ice over the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers three days later to even their record at 1-1.
McCoshen didn’t add to his offensive numbers, but did finish the game with one shot on goal, a +2 rating and picked up his first penalty, a slashing minor in the third period. He was also on the ice for two power-play goals, manning the blue line with fellow Florida prospect Michael Matheson.
McCoshen, Matheson and the rest of the Eagles will take on the visiting Wisconsin Badgers Friday night at 7 PM.
The 31st pick overall in the 2013 Entry Draft is currently considered more of a long-term prospect when it comes to cracking the Panthers’ roster, but it is very encouraging to see him off and running with Boston College.