Jake Allen’s 500th NHL appearance got its proper moment at Prudential Center on Tuesday, with the New Jersey Devils goaltender honored before the club faced the Colorado Avalanche.
Key takeaways
- Allen became the 86th goaltender in NHL history to reach 500 regular-season games.
- He hit the mark on Oct. 10 during New Jersey’s 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
- Allen’s wife Shannon and the couple’s children appeared in a pregame tribute video.
- Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt presented Allen with personalized gifts from his Devils teammates.
- Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur delivered a Tiffany Crystal on behalf of the NHL.
A family moment at center ice
The pregame ceremony opened with a video message from Allen’s family, built around highlights from his NHL career. Shannon Allen congratulated her husband on reaching the 500-game plateau while thanking him for allowing the family to share the journey.
“Hi Jake, we’re so proud of you to reach 500 games in the NHL,” Shannon said. “We’re happy to be along for the ride. We love you, and cheers to many more games.”
Allen then skated out to center ice to a standing ovation from the Prudential Center crowd, where he was joined by his family for the presentation.
Devils and NHL recognize Allen’s milestone
Devils captain Nico Hischier and alternate captains Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt handed Allen a custom fishing rod marking the 500-game achievement, along with an engraved Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch.
Brodeur, the NHL’s career leader in goaltender wins and a player who spent 21 of his 22 NHL seasons with New Jersey, presented Allen with a custom Tiffany Crystal from the League.
Devils co-owners David Blitzer and Allison Blitzer capped the ceremony by giving Allen his silver stick. Allen’s children also received mini sticks, putting a family touch on a milestone night for the veteran netminder.
Allen’s 500th game came earlier in the season against Vancouver, and the Devils made sure the occasion received a full rink-side salute before Tuesday’s puck drop against Colorado.
