Until Recently,

UNTIL RECENTLY, goalies never scored in a National Hockey League game. In 1979, however, the first goalie goal occurred more by gift than by ability.

The New York Islanders faced off against the Colorado Rockies on the road. The Rockies, who would later relocate to New Jersey and change their name to the Devils, had never beaten the New Yorkers, losing 13 games and tying two in their previous matchups.

After two periods, the Rockies held a 4–3 advantage. But early in the third period, New York tied on a freak goal. The Islanders skated shorthanded due to a delayed penalty during which Colorado pulled its goalie, Bill McKenzie, and inserted a sixth attacker. Rockie defenseman Rob Ramage gained control of the puck on the Islanders’ end. He fired a pass toward the point but missed his target.

The puck skidded backward straight into the Colorado net, tying the score. Under NHL rules, the last Islander to touch the puck received credit for the goal. In this instance, New York goalie Billy Smith had blocked the deflected shot and thus scored a goal without actually taking the shot. Although the Rockies eventually won 7–4, Smith garnered many of the headlines with the first goalie goal.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Hockey goalies remain buried by the net and disguised by equipment. While they receive credit for saves, those occur frequently and with little glory. Billy Smith’s goal provided a rare spark of happiness in a rather disappointing game for him.

Believe it or not, God wants us to be happy in our work, regardless of what we do. That may mean school, a job, or doing things around the house. The heavenly Father desires that we enjoy the wealth and possessions that our work brings. Enjoying work and accepting our position in life are gifts from God.

GOAL! What are some jobs or responsibilities that would make you happy? Thank God for happiness in work.