Playing a game in the National Hockey League is a huge accomplishment. Doing it over a thousand times is an even bigger accomplishment. That's a pretty elite club. 382 in fact have joined that club. The newest member of that club is Victor Hedman. The Lightning blueliner joined that club tonight, in a 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars.
Hedman was the second overall pick of the Lightning in 2009, taken only behind John Tavares who went to the Islanders. Hedman has spent his entire career in a Bolts uniform. He became the 3rd man to play his 1,000th game in a Lightning jersey, joining Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos. Hedman became the seventh Sweden-born defenseman, and 18th Swede overall, to play in 1,000 games. Hedman has had a massive impact on this team. A Norris Trophy in 2018. Two Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021, including a Conn Smyth Trophy win in 2020. Oh, and Hedman is the Lightning all time leader in points (677), goals (148) and assists (529) by a defenseman.
Victor has meant so much to this team and this city. On the ice, he's a true leader on this team and the best defenseman this team has ever had. He can control the play with a big hit, a great pass, a bomb of a shot and a great defensive play. He can pretty much do it all on the Bolts blue line. Off the ice, he has really embraced the Tampa Bay community. He does numerous charity events in and around the Tampa Bay area, both in season and during the off season.
By all accounts, when all is said and done, Hedman could find a place at the Hockey Hall Of Fame in Toronto.
Congrats Heddy on a thousand games played!
No comments:
Post a Comment