# September 22 in Hockey History
September 22 has witnessed several remarkable individual performances across NHL history, with preseason action serving as a proving ground for prolific goal-scorers. The date stands out particularly for a clustering of three-goal performances that underscore the competitive intensity of early-season matchups.
The 2018 Hat Trick Convergence
September 22, 2018 marked an unusual confluence of individual brilliance across the league's preseason slate. Three players each recorded hat tricks on the same date, a testament to the caliber of talent competing in preparation for the regular season.
Austin Czarnik of the Calgary Flames recorded three goals without an assist in Calgary's preseason contest against the Vancouver Canucks. The performance represented a significant showcase for Czarnik during the critical evaluation period before roster decisions.
Simultaneously, Charlie Coyle of the Minnesota Wild matched that output with three goals in Minnesota's preseason matchup against the Colorado Avalanche. Coyle's three-goal performance demonstrated his offensive capabilities heading into the campaign.
Perhaps most notably, Oliver Bjorkstrand of the Columbus Blue Jackets also registered a three-goal effort in Columbus's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This parallel production across different matchups illustrated the depth of scoring talent throughout the league's roster construction at that time.
All three performances followed an identical pattern: three goals, zero assists, and three total points—a rare synchronicity in NHL history.
Earlier Milestone: 2010 Columbus Performance
The template for September 22 hat tricks extends back further in the historical record. In 2010, Matt Hendricks of the Columbus Blue Jackets recorded three goals against the Washington Capitals during preseason competition. Hendricks' 3G-0A performance preceded the 2018 trio by eight years, establishing this date's association with prolific individual goal-scoring performances.
Contextual Significance
These performances occurred during preseason schedules, a period where coaching staffs evaluate roster composition and individual player form. Hat tricks during preseason carry particular significance as they influence final roster selections and lineup determinations for the upcoming regular season.
The clustering of multiple three-goal performances on the same date—whether in 2010 or 2018—suggests September 22 may represent a specific point in the preseason calendar where competitive intensity peaks. Teams typically reach a critical phase of evaluation around this timeframe, potentially correlating with elevated individual performances.
By the Numbers
**4 hat tricks**: Total three-goal performances recorded on September 22 across available historical records**12 goals**: Combined output from hat trick performances on this date**3 consecutive goals**: Pattern consistency across all recorded September 22 hat tricks (each player: 3G, 0A, 3P)**8-year span**: Distance between the 2010 Hendricks performance and the 2018 triple hat trick date**3 teams represented**: Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, and Columbus Blue Jackets among September 22 hat trick scorers in 2018