The Colorado Avalanche were preparing to take on the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night without their best player. Cale Makar was scratched earlier in the day after his wife, Tracy, went into labour with twins. Noah Juulsen was slotted in to replace him on the blue line, and the hockey world collectively wished the Makar family well.
But the twins took their time, and they weren't welcomed into the world until Wednesday morning.
The Avalanche, back in action tonight against the same Stars, didn't expect to see Makar back in the fold so soon. But a team post captioned simply, "Hey, Dad," confirmed the happy couple spent the entire night awaiting their arrival, and despite that, Makar showed up at the arena to compete tonight.
Fans quickly noticed what appeared to be a hospital bracelet still on his wrist as he walked into the building, a detail that only added to the moment.
The 27-year-old two-time Norris Trophy winner had been ruled out at morning skate, with head coach Jared Bednar telling reporters the team would monitor the situation. Clearly, things progressed quickly enough for Makar to feel comfortable heading to the arena after the birth.
Makar has been on a tear to start the season, posting three goals and four assists through five games while averaging more than 21 minutes per night. He remains the heartbeat of Colorado's defence and one of the most impactful players in the league, with a Conn Smythe Trophy from the 2022 Stanley Cup run already on his shelf and a massive eight-year, $163.2 million extension set to kick in during the 2027-28 season.
The online reaction was predictably delightful. One fan joked that Makar had already recorded "two assists before the game," while another predicted a hat trick fuelled by new-dad energy.
Ahead of tonight's rematch between Colorado and Dallas, all eyes will be on whether Makar suits up and what kind of boost, if any, the occasion gives him on the ice. If history is any guide, athletes running on adrenaline and zero sleep after the birth of a child tend to produce some memorable performances.