Devils Gave Jacob Markstrom The Ultimate Memory For His Milestone Game
New Jersey Devils Goaltender Jacob Markstrom shares a special moment with his son before playing his 500th career NHL game.
Nov 21, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images - Devils Gave Jacob Markstrom The Ultimate Memory For His Milestone GameNew Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom's latest drive to Prudential Center served as a time of reflection.
He was driving to the rink for his milestone 500th NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes, and it was hard not to reminisce about his first NHL game, which took place in Newark, New Jersey, on Jan 23, 2011, when he played for the Florida Panthers.
"We were talking about it a little bit, and I think that is pretty cool," Markstrom said to The Hockey News. "I think (there) is a little bigger meaning to it. It is special. I remember the feeling I had going into this place for my first (game). Now my 500th is in the same rink, just a different locker room."
Now, years later, down the hall from that visiting locker room, the 34-year-old Devils goaltender went through his pregame routine and led his team to the ice for warmups against Carolina.
There, he saw his wife Amanda and young son Clark by the glass, holding their custom sign congratulating "daddy" on his milestone.
Afterward, the goaltender was met with a pleasant surprise that would become a core memory for his family.
Clark made an appearance in the locker room before the game.
"It (happened) right before we went out," he said. "He came out with the starting lineup. It was really cool. That is a good memory that I am going to take with me for a long time. Made it extra special, for sure."
His milestone night was topped off with a 4-2 win, with Markstrom making 20 saves on 22 shots and earning the honor of being the game's first star. His teammate, Stefan Noesen, grabbed the puck for his goaltender.
Many players look forward to their proud dad moment during warmups when they see their child ice level by the glass. During any given home game, fans can see Markstrom, Noesen, Jake Allen, Brenden Dillon, Erik Haula, and Curtis Lazar stop and take a moment with their kids before returning to the locker room.
On Friday, Markstom shared that weeks ago, his teammates brought their kids into the locker room after a big win.
"You see all the kids running around," Markstom said with a smile. "I was always the guy who played with the other kids, and now I have one of my own. It is special and makes it a lot more fun."
Seeing young Clark enter the locker room with the starting lineup will become a core memory for Markstrom. It was a perfect surprise, making an already memorable night exceptional for his family.
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