NHL community celebrates Phoenix Coyotes’ forward Ray Whitney’s entry in 1000-point elite club
Saturday, March 31, 2012, was a historic day for Phoenix Coyotes’ forward, Ray Whitney, as it marked his entry into the elite club of the players, who have achieved the landmark 1000 points in the professional ice hockey league.
He has become the only 79th player in the National Hockey League (NHL) to achieve this distinctive and exclusive glory in his professional career.
Exact moment on the record was 16:14 of the second period of Coyotes’ weekend game against the Anaheim Ducks at Jobing.com Arena on Saturday night, when he had set up a pass for the teammate, Radim Vrbata, for a power-play goal.
The decisive moment of the player’s career was marked with a great applause from a large number of crowds who included his fans and opponents’ followers. He received a standing ovation.
It was also cheered by other members of the NHL community throughout the US and Canada, almost all of them congratulating the player for the distinguish record.
Whitney’s performance includes 24 goals, 51 assists and 75 points that he has earned while playing for Coyotes this season.
Following the achievement of the special record, the player went to score a goal, and recorded 1001th point of his career straight after.
He has commended the efforts of Vrbata, who after been handed over the puck cleared everything in front of him and hit it in the net without wasting much time to the pass from Whitney.
Minutes later, Vrbata set a similar pass for Whitney, who managed to score a goal and thus extending the points over 1000 mark.
The player is said to be happy over the achievement and has thanked his fans and lovers of the game to have celebrated the record and the moment of its accomplishment.
Since scoring the record-making point, the player has been flooded with the messages of appreciation and congratulations from all over the ice hockey community in Canada, the US and beyond.
The 39-year old Whitney who had many other glorious achievements during his professional career still remains hopeful of playing more seasons and contributing to the development of the ice hockey.
Phoenix Coyotes who are at the number 7th position in the Western Conference are almost certain for the playoff berth.
The management who has expressed pleasure over Whitney’s achievement are hopeful that his availability into the second round will matter the most in their performance and wins.
Whitney himself is said to be looking forward to playing the second round, which he has done many times in the past. He remains optimistic about the team’s chances of success in the round leading up to the Stanley Cup this year.
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