The Ottawa Senators will hold a special pre-game ceremony on Wednesday to honour forward Chris Neil‘s 1,000th game.
Neil played in game No. 1,000 on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings and was the third player in Senators history to reach that mark — 308th in NHL history.
“Chris is a special player who holds a very important place in the history of our franchise and in the hearts of all Senators fans,” said team owner Eugene Melnyk. “He has made a lasting mark on our city and our team. I could not be more proud of Chris reaching his 1,000 NHL game milestone.
“It is a remarkable and truly deserving achievement for a player whose career has been defined by his hard work, determination and leadership on and off the ice.”
The ceremony will begin half an hour before the Senators host the San Jose Sharks on Dec. 14 and will include a video tribute and presentation of gifts. Fans will also receive commemorative towels.
The 37-year-old joins Chris Phillips and Daniel Alfredsson as the only three players who have reached the 1,000 game milestone playing for the Senators.
Neil failed to register a point in 7:54 of ice time on Saturday, but did drop the gloves with Jordan Nolan.
In 1,001 career games (all with the Senators), Neil has 112 goals, 136 assists and 2,497 penalty minutes. His 112 goals are 10th most in team history.
In 28 games this season, he has one goal, one assist, and 38 penalty minutes.
