Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Oilers' Patrick Maroon chokes up while watching son react to his goal

Published Dec. 20, 2016 8:37 a.m. ET

Pete Blackburn

Edmonton Oilers forward Patrick Maroon scored an important goal to help his team grab a victory in his native St. Louis on Monday night. Maroon's game-tying goal came on a third-period deflection in front of the Blues' net and helped force overtime, during which Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sniped the winner.

Maroon's goal was his ninth of the year and although it may not have been the prettiest one, it was probably the most special. Maroon's family was in attendance for the game, which means that his young son, Patrick, got to watch dad score a goal in his hometown.

After the game, the elder Maroon was shown a video replay of his son's joyous reaction to the goal and he immediately began to tear up.

"It's pretty cool. Pretty emotional," Patrick Maroon said. "I don't get to see him as much. It's pretty special."

One of the things that's easy to forget as a sports fan is how difficult it can be for athletes to be away from their kids and families so much. That's clearly weighing on Maroon, but it's awesome that he got to share this feel-good moment with his kid on Monday night.

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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Pat Maroon

Edmonton Oilers

National Hockey League