#7 – Paul Ranger Scores First Goal Since Hiatus – October 30th, 2013
Yes, I know it’s another empty net goal. But like the one before, this one also has meaning.
TSN did a story on one-time Leafs defenseman Paul Ranger, who seemingly disappeared from the game during the 2009-10 season.
It was revealed that Ranger was fighting depression and as a result, lost his love for the game of hockey. His battle with mental illness would wipe nearly three years out of his hockey career.
Ranger would make an eventual return to the pros during the 2012-13 season, signing an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies and taking on the role of an alternate captain.
He would then sign a one year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the offseason, thus marking a return to the NHL almost four years after he left.
Ranger would muscle Jiri Hudler off of the puck and hustle down the boards after the puck before putting it in the back of the net, marking his first NHL goal since October 10th, 2009.
On paper, this goal meant next to nothing to the Leafs, as it was an empty net goal in a regular season game.
But this goal more than likely meant the world to Ranger, seeing the hustle to retrieve the puck and the relief of knowing he was back playing the game he loved.