Jake Guentzel wasted no time turning his professional aspirations into a reality.

Guentzel, the former Hill-Murray and University of Nebraska-Omaha star, scored on his first shift in the NHL, netting a goal on his first career shot in the first period of a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Nov. 21.

Guentzel, a third-round pick by the Penguins in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, also scored his second goal later in the first period.

With the goal, Guentzel joins former Penguins legend and NHL Hall-of-Famer Mario Lemiuex on the short list of players to score on their first career shift and first career shot.

“Whenever you can be put in the same sentence with a name like Mario Lemieux, it’s special,” Guentzel said via email. “It's a dream come true.”

Guentzel was also able to score his first goals in front of his family, including father Mike, an associate head coach of Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s team.

“Having my family at my first game was something special to me,” Guentzel said. “All the dedication and sacrifice they have done for me and to get to this point it wouldn't be right if they weren't there.”

Despite the two goals and being named the second star of the game, Guentzel said that the he would rather have had the victory.

“I was very fortunate to score twice but still hurts we didn't get the win,” Guentzel explained.

Prior to joining the big club, Guentzel recorded seven goals and 17 points in 16 games for Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pa.) Penguins.

Following the Thanksgiving holiday, Guentzel says that staying on the Pittsburgh roster for the Penguins’ game against the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 25 would be an added bonus.

“I think if I get the opportunity to play in Minnesota it would be a dream come true,” Guentzel said, adding that he grew up watching the Wild.

“If (I play), it'll be something I soak in and will be special with family in the stands.”