37-year-old Jason Chimera just became the 309th player in NHL history to play in 1,000 games. The massively popular former Capital reached the milestone at Joe Louis Arena Friday, where the Islanders are taking on the Detroit Red Wings.
“That number is pretty cool,” Chimera said to NHL.com’s Cody Wright after the Islanders’ morning skate. “You don’t get to pat yourself on the back too many times in this game, but this is one of times you can look back and it’s been a pretty good ride. It’s not over, so hopefully many more miles to come, but that’s a pretty cool number.”
Tributes have been pouring in across the league.
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"To be here 999 games later is a pretty cool moment." #Isles
Jason Chimera looks forward to playing his 1000th game tonight: pic.twitter.com/MjOiGZ4uBL
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 4, 2017
The New York Islanders posted this tribute video before the game, while Chimera’s longtime agent, Allan Walsh, posted a photo from when they both had hair.
Sending congrats to Jason Chimera on playing his 1000th game tonight. Come a long way from 1997 Draft. #LikeAFineWine pic.twitter.com/ZxZxhWaekI
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) February 3, 2017
Chimera also received congratulations from the NHL and NHLPA.
Congratulations to Jason Chimera on skating in his 1,000th @NHL game in tonight's @NYIslanders matchup! ➡️https://t.co/mYES0Kwly0 #ChimDawg pic.twitter.com/dVyVvd8sSu
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) February 4, 2017
Sending out a huge stick tap to Chimmer! pic.twitter.com/NOBFvXLA3N
— NHL (@NHL) February 4, 2017
Jason Chimera is playing in his 1000th @NHL game tonight.
What an accomplishment. 🙌 Congrats Chimmer! #Isles pic.twitter.com/wTsxZE2fmP
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 4, 2017
Chimera had many family and friends travel to Detroit to see the game, and will receive a silver stick from the NHL at the Islanders’ home game Saturday night.
Chimera, who spent nearly half of his career in Washington (490 games), reached this milestone because he’s adapted. Initially a checking-line forward, Chimera added an offensive flourish to his game later in his career. Since the 2005-06 season, Chimera’s had six 15-goal seasons. While he was in Washington, Chimera also scored 20 goals and hit 40 points twice since 2011.
Chimera’s first NHL game was on December 9, 2000.
“It’d be funny, but guys used to think post-game shakes were beers when you first started,” Chimera said. “You learn to workout smarter, work out different ways, eat different ways.”
Congratulations, Chimmer!
11pm update: Chimera scored in the game, tying the game 4-4 late in the third period.
The Red Wings would score late in regulation however for the 5-4 victory.
Headline photo: @NHLPA
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