WHL Stars & NHL Debuts: Former Winterhawks captain Ludvig makes NHL debut with Penguins

Former Portland Winterhawks defenceman John Ludvig made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday night, becoming the 133rd Winterhawk to dress for an NHL game.

A 23-year-old product of Kamloops, B.C., Ludvig was originally selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round (69th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. He was acquired off waivers by the Penguins earlier this season.

The 6-foot-1, 213-pound blueliner recorded two hits and one shot on goal as the Penguins dropped a 4-1 decision to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

Ludvig, who was not selected in the WHL Prospects Draft, skated in 169 career WHL Regular Season games with the Winterhawks, registering 87 points (24G-63A). During the 2019-20 campaign, he captained the Winterhawks and was named to the WHL’s Western Conference First All-Star Team after enjoying a career season that featured 62 points (17G-45A) in 60 games.

A dream come true. pic.twitter.com/k0kPm1pTIs

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 24, 2023