When Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene took to the ice Dec. 7 at Capital One Arena in Washington, he did so with an extra spring in his step.
The date had been circled on the superstar forward’s calendar for months, with the game representing an extraordinary milestone: 1,000 games played in the National Hockey League.
The Haliburton product became the 387th player to hit four figures, joining fellow Highlands native Bernie Nicholls – who featured in 1,127 games – in the millennium club. Duchene marked the occasion with an assist, three shots on goal, a hit, and a block in just under 18 minutes of ice time in a 5-4 shootout win over the Capitals.
Speaking to The Highlander, the 32-yearold centre said he’s thankful to have enjoyed a long career at the top level, with this his 15th pro season.
“It’s funny, I don’t really look at it like a success, even though it is. I honestly look at it more as a moment in time when you can reflect on your life and career and just be grateful,” Duchene said. “For me, that game is just a product of those who have been with me from day one of hockey, when I was four [playing in Haliburton] up to NHL game 1,000.”
Duchene was able to share the moment with his family – mom Chris, dad Vince, wife Ashley, and two of his children: Beau and Jaymes, which made it all the sweeter.
“It wouldn’t have been the same if they weren’t there,” he said.
Vince said he and Chris flew into Washington D.C. Dec. 6, catching up with Matt briefly at the hotel the next day. After arriving at the rink, the Duchenes were brought down to the bench during warm-ups to surprise Matt.
While there, Vince bumped into Ray Ferraro – TV broadcaster for ESPN and veteran of 1,258 NHL games over a near 20-year career.
“He said it’s one of the hardest things to do. Matt is only the fourth from his 2009 draft year to do it [after John Tavares, Victor Hedman, and Ryan O’Reilly] so it is quite an accomplishment, and one we as a family are so proud of,” Vince said.
While Duchene has competed in NHL AllStar games, played meaningful hockey in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and won Olympic gold with his country, Vince said the standout moment, for him, of his son’s career came just prior to puck drop against the Capitals.
“The Stars asked if Beau would read the starting line-up in the dressing room… it was an amazing moment,” Vince said. “Seeing the joy and love in Matt’s eyes for his family – that moment is at the top, for sure.”
The Stars have planned a special ceremony Jan. 27, before a home game against the Capitals in Dallas, where Duchene will be presented with a silver stick commemorating his 1,000 games played.
Making the most of an opportunity
Duchene said he’s enjoying his time in Dallas. He signed a one-year deal with the organization in the summer after being bought out of the final three years of his $8 million a season deal in Nashville.
“I can’t say enough good things about my teammates, my coaches, the organization, and the city. We are at the top of our division, and I feel like we still haven’t hit our top gear, so that’s exciting,” Duchene said. “We have a great chance to make a deep run at the cup.”
The forward has 10 goals and 17 assists in 29 games with his new team as of press time.
While he’s only on a one-year deal, Duchene said he’d love to stick with the Stars long-term.
“My family and I really like it here… I’m hoping we start to talk in the new year about an extension. The idea around a one-year deal [was] to try something out and see if it fit. So far, it’s been great.”
Having passed the 1,000-game threshold, Duchene is already chasing down his next target – a first Stanley Cup.
“I’ve been lucky enough to win everything possible at the international level with Team Canada, but the ultimate prize is the cup,” he said. “I still am hoping my biggest games are in front of me.”
