Ferris State Alum Mayhew Scores First Career National Hockey League Goal in NHL Debut

Toronto, Ontario - Ferris State Hockey alum and Minnesota Wild forward Gerald Mayhew put an exclamation point on his National Hockey League (NHL) debut by scoring at 18:58 of the third period to cut the Toronto Maple Leafs lead to two goals inside Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday (Oct. 15) night.

A long turnaround shot by former Harvard University forward Ryan Donato was initially stopped by Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen, but the rebound was jarred loose by former Boston University forward Jordan Greenway, and Mayhew, driving the goal, hammered it into an open net. Fellow former NCAA stars Donato and Greenway earned assists on Mayhew's first NHL goal.

"It's a dream come true really," Mayhew said to Fox Sports North in the post game show. "It's surreal. It's something I've wanted to do since I was probably five years old, and I'm lucky enough to be able to do it."

Mayhew had three hits, two shots on goal, was perfect in the faceoff dot, and picked up a +1 rating with his goal in 10:09 of ice time in his debut with 12 family members and friends present, including fellow class of 2017 alum Chad McDonald in attendance.

Upon learning of Mayhew's entry into the line up on Tuesday (Oct. 15) morning, Ferris State Hockey Head Coach Bob Daniels said, "I am very excited for Gerry and his opportunity to realize his dream of playing in the NHL. Gerry has worked extremely hard and is very deserving of this opportunity. I believe I speak for the entire Bulldog Nation when I say we all wish him the best of luck."

Mayhew became the 12th former Bulldog to debut in the National Hockey League tonight, joining Dean Clark, Mike Colman, Dave Karpa, John Gruden, Jason Blake, Andy Roach, Rob Collins, Chris Kunitz, Greg Rallo, Zach Redmond, and Chad Billins. Mayhew left Ferris State as the all-time leader in playoff point scoring in school history.

"It's always wonderful to see any young person realize their dream and I know that Gerald's parents, his family, friends, teammates, coaches and all of us at Ferris State are extremely proud for him as he has earned this opportunity," Ferris State Athletics Director Perk Weisenburger said prior to the game. "Bulldog Nation wishes him nothing but the best tonight and for the many years and games to come."

Mayhew was a standout for the Bulldogs from 2013-2017, helping the Bulldogs to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in 2014 and 2016 as well as a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) MacNaughton Cup Championship in 2014 and Broadmoor Trophy Championship in 2016.

As a freshman, Mayhew went on a postseason tear for the Bulldogs, resulting in the hashtag #GerryTime trending on twitter following his two-goal and overtime game-winning goal performance against Alaska Anchorage at Grand Rapids' Van Andel Arena in the 2014 WCHA Final Five. The Iowa Wild have maintained use of the hashtag throughout his professional career.

Mayhew had a breakout season for the Iowa Wild in 2018-19, establishing career highs in nearly every category on 27 goals, 33 assists and 60 points in the regular season. He also tallied nine power play goals and a pair of shorthanded markers. In the playoffs, Mayhew led the Wild in goal-scoring with nine goals and 11 points in 11 games played.

As a freshman, Mayhew scored the game-winning goal in Ferris State's 2014 NCAA Tournament victory over Colgate, and earned an assist, creating the game-winning overtime goal in Ferris State's 2016 upset of second overall seeded St. Cloud State in the NCAA West Regional.

Mayhew was the WCHA point-scoring champion in both 2015-16 and 2016-17, and wrapped up his career with 52 goals and 67 assists for 119 points in 150 collegiate contests. Mayhew was a two-time All-WCHA Tournament team member and a first team all-conference selection as a senior in 2017. He is Ferris State's current leading scorer of the 2010-2020 decade.

As a prepster, Mayhew was named USHS Michigan Mr. Hockey, awarded annually to Michigan's best high school hockey player. Mayhew tallied 44 goals in 30 games for Wyandotte Roosevelt High School in 2010-11 before joining the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons where he scored 36 goals and dished out 41 assists for 77 points in 117 games in USA's premier junior league.

The game aired on NHL Network, Fox Sports North, Fox Sports Wisconsin, and TSN4 (Canada). The Minnesota Wild ultimately fell 4-2 in the contest.