Ellis’ family has priceless reaction to goalie's 2 breakaway saves in debut

Colten Ellis’ family experienced an entire range of emotions during his NHL debut on Wednesday.

The Buffalo Sabres goalie’s family had priceless reactions to his two breakaway saves against the Detroit Red Wings in his first NHL game at KeyBank Arena.

In the first period, Ellis made a big pad save on Red Wings forward Marco Kasper on the breakaway to keep the game scoreless.

TNT cameras caught Ellis' family put their hands over their faces and laugh in disbelief as they sat in a suite.

During the second period, the 25-year-old goalie made his second breakaway save of the game, this time on a backhand shot by Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.

Ellis’ family had the same look of disbelief on their faces as they clapped for the goaltender after the save.

His family traveled from Nova Scotia to see his debut. They posed for a picture together in the suite.

Before the game, the Sabres goalie took a rookie lap around the rink.

After helping the Sabres to a 4-2 win, Ellis chatted with the NHL on TNT crew about his family’s support.

“I wouldn’t be here without any of them. I think they are yelling right now,” Ellis said. “There’s so many people that helped me get to this point. Everybody’s played such an instrumental role, has always been so supportive.

"I was actually pretty emotional before the game, before I got to the rink, just kind of thinking about all the sacrifices they’ve made to get me to where I am today. I definitely couldn’t have done it without all my family and everyone here tonight.”

The Sabres goalie finished the game with 29 saves and was awarded the first star of the game.

On Oct. 6, Ellis was claimed off waivers by the Sabres. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues with the 93^rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. Last season, the rookie goalie played 42 games for the Springfield Thunderbirds, the Blues’ AHL affiliate.