Vegas Golden Knights defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo, was recognized for his remarkable achievement of playing in his 1,000th NHL game on Monday night. Prior to taking the ice, Pietrangelo was accompanied by his wife, Jayne, their children, his parents, and Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon, creating a special moment that marked this significant milestone in his career.
Numerous former teammates, including Jay Bouwmeester, David Backes, and Carlo Coliacovo, were present at T-Mobile Arena to support Pietrangelo on his special night. A heartfelt video tribute was played, featuring testimonials from Bouwmeester, Backes, and former Blues coach Craig Berube. Current teammates Mark Stone and Alec Martinez, as well as Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, also shared their thoughts and admiration for Pietrangelo in the video tribute.
Expressing his gratitude, Pietrangelo acknowledged the role that others have played in his journey to reach this important milestone. 'You don’t get to this spot without a lot of good people along the way,' he said. Having played 758 games with the St. Louis Blues and now 242 games with the Golden Knights, Pietrangelo recognized the significance of the friendships he has formed throughout the years. He also made sure to acknowledge the unwavering support of his wife, children, and all of his past and present teammates.
Pietrangelo's illustrious career includes three All-Star selections and three gold medals with Team Canada. He won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019 and more recently with the Golden Knights last season, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier defensemen.
Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon spoke highly of Pietrangelo's impact on the team and his leadership qualities. McCrimmon mentioned that Pietrangelo's arrival as a free agent before the 2020-21 season was a crucial addition, bringing a veteran No. 1 defenseman with impeccable credentials to the team. McCrimmon presented Pietrangelo with a gold hockey stick during the ceremony, symbolizing his important role in the team's pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
Pietrangelo's achievement is significant, as he becomes the 390th player in history to reach the milestone of 1,000 NHL games. Reflecting on this accomplishment, Pietrangelo remarked on the rarity of such individual milestones at this stage of his career. He shared his intention to savor the moment, taking pride in joining the ranks of a small group of elite players who have achieved this feat.
During Monday night's game against the Minnesota Wild, Pietrangelo made an impact on the ice as well, assisting on both of the Golden Knights' first-period goals. His performance further added to the celebration of his remarkable accomplishment.
Alex Pietrangelo's 1,000th NHL game is a testament to his dedication, skill, and perseverance in the sport of hockey. As a key member of the Vegas Golden Knights, he continues to leave a lasting impact both on and off the ice. His leadership qualities, exceptional abilities, and championship pedigree make him an invaluable asset to his teammates and the organization as they strive for continued success in the pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
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