Long-time Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn made history Monday night as he played in his 1,000th career game in the National Hockey League.
In his 14th season, Benn becomes the 379th player to achieve the milestone and is one of 38 currently playing in the NHL. He is also the 76th player to do it while playing for one franchise.
The Stars released a video tribute to Benn before the game, tracing his career back to his selection in the 2007 NHL Draft.
“It was great,” Benn told media members after the game, according to a statement sent to The Dallas Express.
“I’m fortunate enough to have [the family] here, and it worked out that [brother Jordie’s] break was the second half, so he got to be in town. It’s been fun the last couple of days hanging out with the family and a good night overall,” Benn said.
“First off, welcome to the club,” hockey Hall-of-Famer and current TNT analyst Eddie Olczyk — who played 1,031 games himself — told The Dallas Express when asked about Benn in an interview.
“Always been a fan of the way that he’s played the game,” Olczyk continued. “I think as he’s gotten older, he’s understood the limitations and the strengths and how far you push and knowing his role. I think he’s been an incredible role [model] for a lot of the young players that have come up.”
“It’s quite the accomplishment, and obviously, playing for one team is something that is very special and very unique in today’s world. … He’s one of those guys that you need in order to win, but it’s quite the milestone for sure.”
The milestone also means Benn has played in the second-most number of games for the Stars since the franchise began in Minnesota in 1967, trailing only Mike Modano, who played in 1,459 games from 1989 through 2010.
As extra icing on the cake, the Stars defeated the Anaheim Ducks in a shootout to extend their point streak to six games.
“Big night,” head coach Peter DeBoer said after the game. “The guys dug in, particularly in overtime when he [Benn] took the penalty, to make sure we didn’t hang that on him. It was a huge kill. That was a testament to how important it was for our group for him to feel good about the night.”
“[Jamie Benn] is a legend in this franchise, and we wanted to get a win for him on his night,” goalie Jake Oettinger said.
“He is such a great guy and great captain. It’s good to recognize him, and he deserves everything. All the good stuff people say about him is true, so it’s great to get a win,” Oettinger added.
Benn played 15 minutes and 57 seconds — registering two shots — and was named the game’s first star. So far this season, he has 19 goals and 25 assists (44 points).
The Stars return to the ice at 7:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday against the Minnesota Wild. Olczyk will be part of the team on the call for TNT.