Roger McQueen made his NHL debut for the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night, instantly drawing comparisons to the Pixar classic 'Cars.'
Drafted 10th overall in 2025, McQueen was presented with a No. 95 jersey, a nod to Lightning McQueen, the protagonist voiced by Owen Wilson.
After being selected, the McQueen family celebrated by flying to Disneyland, where Roger met the character that inspired his jersey number.
He received the call to join the Ducks from the AHL on Monday night, a significant moment in his young career.
Coach Joel Quenneville praised McQueen, stating, 'I thought he got better in camp as he went along. He was one of those guys that would be pushing for a job.'
Before the Ducks' home game against the Calgary Flames, McQueen took his rookie lap wearing No. 95, with 'Real Gone' by Sheryl Crow playing in the background.
This song, featured in the 'Cars' soundtrack, added to the theme of the night as McQueen stepped onto the ice.
In his debut, McQueen played 11:26, recording no points but managing a shot on goal.
The game itself was disappointing for the Ducks, who lost to the Flames 4-2 in front of a sellout crowd.
Despite the loss, McQueen's journey is just beginning, and his father, Scott McQueen, noted the added attention due to the Disney connection.
'I think everybody kind of wants to fly under the radar and just play,' Scott said. 'He wants to prove himself as a player and not so much, you know, as a Disney character.'