"I feel very, very lucky" - J.T. Miller gives heartfelt message ahead of 800th career NHL game
As the Vancouver Canucks are set to face off against the Calgary Flames in an all-Canadian season opener, tonight also marks a special milestone for fan favorite and star forward J.T. Miller.
31-year-old J.T. Miller is set to skate in his 800th career game this evening, and when asked about how he is feeling, he gave a heartfelt and emotional response to how it means to be able to play this long.
J.T. Miller speaks to media about playing in his 800th NHL game
«The older I get, the more I respect guys that can play for a long time. And super lucky, fortunate, especially health wise, to play in this many games,» Miller said Wednesday morning.
«There's a time 10 or 11 years ago when I was just trying to get into the lineup. I feel very, very lucky to be where I'm at. But, obviously, I've got a lot of help from coaches and stuff along the way. - Miller
Miller has been a superstar for the Vancouver Canucks ever since he came over from the Tampa Bay Lighting 6 seasons ago, and now he gets to celebrate his biggest game to date with the team he calls home.
He made his NHL debut back on in 2013 with the New York Rangers, and as the leader he is, he reflected back on what it was like to play in his first game, and gave advice to all fellow rookie about what to expect.
«Oh, man. Try to enjoy it. It's a fun job that we get to have, but it is a job,» he said.
«The quicker you can learn, the quicker you'll stay and quicker you'll be acclimated. So just try to be a sponge Try to take in as much as you can, even though it's very difficult.»
Rick Tocchet comments on what J.T. Miller means to the Canucks.
«He's always trying to get better every day, physically and mentally, his approach to the game and how he can be better off the ice and on the ice when it comes to the game,» Tocchet said. «I have a lot of respect for him.»
Congratulations J.T. Miller on 800 career games, we look forward to 800 more!
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