"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 and chief executive officer 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."
On Wednesday, fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the duration of the celebration, starting at 6:29 p.m., with a special honouring of Chris by his fellow players in the warm-up. Following a flood of the ice, the formal ceremonies, including a video tribute, presentation of gifts and remarks will begin just after 7 p.m. All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative towel to mark the occasion.
Neil is only the third player in franchise history to reach 1,000 games with the Senators, joining Chris Phillips (1,179) and Daniel Alfredsson (1,178). In the long history of the National Hockey League, Neil joins New Jersey's Ken Daneyko as the only two players to play 1,000 games with one team while accumulating more than 2,000 penalty minutes.
Neil, 37, has recorded 112 career goals, tenth-most in team history. His 2,497 penalty minutes lead the franchise (and are 1,739 more than the next Senator, Chris Phillips) and are 22nd in the history of the National Hockey League. To put his team penalty minute mark in context, his 2,497 minutes are more than the combined totals of the next three players on the Senators all-time penalty minute list (Phillips, Denis Vial and Wade Redden).
The Flesherton, Ont., native broke into the league in 2001-02 and has been a full-time member of the Senators each season since then. Chris and his wife Caitlin have been active members in the Ottawa community for the duration of their time in Ottawa, including currently being honourary co-chairs of Roger Neilson House. Chris and Caitlin have three children, Hailey, Cole and Finn.
Visit the Senators website:
www.ottawasenators.com
Engage with the Senators on Twitter:
