1,000 games played in the NHL is no easy feat to achieve. After all, think of all the steps it takes to get there. First, you have to either be drafted or signed on as an undrafted free agent to a team. Then you often have to cut your teeth in the AHL for a couple seasons. That first call-up to the NHL also doesn’t always guarantee you stay there. There are lots and ups and downs, and some people who make it may only play a handful of games in the big league.
To make it to 1,000 NHL games, a player has to put in determination and hard work.