Predators' Cole O'Hara describes 'surreal' NHL debut, first point with Steven Stamkos

TL;DR

Cole O'Hara made his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators and recorded his first point just 10 minutes into the game by assisting Steven Stamkos. O'Hara described the experience as 'surreal.'

Key points

Cole O'Hara made his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators
He recorded his first point just 10 minutes into the game
O'Hara assisted Steven Stamkos for the goal
The Predators lost the game 5-4 to the Ducks
O'Hara described the experience as 'surreal'

Nashville PredatorsAnaheim DucksCole O'HaraSteven Stamkos

Predators' Cole O'Hara describes 'surreal' NHL debut, first point with Steven Stamkos

It took Cole O'Hara just 10 minutes to record his first NHL point.

Midway through the first period in the Nashville Predators' season finale on April 16, O'Hara forced a turnover in the Anaheim Ducks zone, then passed to Steven Stamkos in the left circle. Stamkos fired a quick wrist shot by Ville Husso to tie the game, giving O'Hara his first NHL assist.

"A really cool experience, something I'll remember for a long time," O'Hara told reporters at Bridgestone Arena after the 5-4 loss. "It was nice to have Stamkos put that one in."

For Stamkos, it was business as usual − his 632rd goal and his 1,253rd NHL point. But he recognized the moment, celebrating with O'Hara on the ice.

Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) celebrates his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 16, 2026.