In just about any sport, it is more difficult for a member of the defense to score than a member of the offense.  Hockey is no different, as the defensemen’s main priority is to protect their goalie and prevent the other team from scoring.  However, one night in the NHL, a defenseman had an incredible offensive performance.

It was on this day, February 2nd, 1977, that defenseman Ian Turnbull scored 5 goals in a game.  He became the first defenseman to ever accomplish the feat and he did so in memorable fashion.

The goals helped the Toronto Maple Leafs defeat the Detroit Red Wings by a score of 9 – 1. Turnbull scored the 5 goals on 5 shots. No offensive player had ever been able to match the feat and score 5 or more goals without having a single shot saved.