Comets Make History in New Jersey
Nov 13, 2026Ahead of the Devils' game against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, forwards Lenni Hameenaho and Stefan Noesen and defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok were recalled by New Jersey. Within 24 hours of getting the call, not only were all three players in the lineup, but they each scored in the game, marking the first time in NHL history in which three callups had scored in their first game since being recalled.
The Devils trailed the Capitals 2-1 halfway through the second period when Lenni Hammenaho, in his season debut with New Jersey, deflected a shot from Brenden Dillon past Capitals netminder Logan Thompson to tie the game at two at the 9:51 mark. It was Hameenaho's third career NHL goal and 14th point. The Finland native had led the Comets with six goals and nine points this season at the time of his callup.
The teams entered the third period tied at two, but Vlad Kolyachonok broke the tie at 6:27 on a wrist shot from the point that broke through Logan Thompson. For Kolyachonok, in his Devils' debut, it was his sixth career NHL goal which stood to be the game winner and earned him third star of the game. The Belarus native had three assists in 12 games with the Comets prior to being recalled.
Later in the third, it was Stefan Noesen's turn. In his sixth game of the season with the Devils, the Texas native won a race to a loose puck in the Washington zone, leading to a partial breakaway and a beautiful backhand finish over the right shoulder of Logan Thompson to make it 4-2 at 17:07. It was his second goal and fourth point of the season with the Devils. In seven games with the Comets, Noesen had registered two goals and six points.
While Comets fans will miss seeing these guys in Utica, it's inspiring to see them making a strong impact in the NHL. Both teams are on a roll and trending towards a great season.