What is typically celebrated when a player scores their first goal in the NHL?

When a player scores their first goal in the NHL, it is a significant milestone in their career, symbolizing their successful transition to the professional level. The tradition typically involves the player receiving the game puck as a keepsake. This puck is often presented to them by a teammate or an official, making it a memorable moment. The game puck serves as a tangible reminder of their achievement and is often cherished by the player, who may choose to display it or keep it as a part of their personal memorabilia.

While a standing ovation may occur in some cases to honor the player, especially if it’s a particularly celebrated moment, this is not as universally recognized as the presentation of the puck. The ceremonial puck drop is unrelated and occurs at the start of each game, while playing a special song may happen for other occasions but is not a standard practice specifically for scoring a first career goal. Therefore, the tradition of receiving the game puck is the most appropriate and widely accepted celebration for scoring a first goal in the NHL, making it the correct choice.