After reaching the milestone of 1,000 games in his NHL career, Boston Bruins veteran James van Riemsdyk reflected on his journey, recalling his debut in Game 1 back in 2009. At the age of 20, fresh out of UNH and recently drafted by the Flyers, van Riemsdyk found himself on the ice for the first time as Philadelphia faced off against the Hurricanes.
Despite his parents missing the game, he fondly remembered the support of his friends from New Jersey. Though he was slightly mistaken about the score, he accurately recalled earning his first career point with an assist.
Fast forward 15 years, and van Riemsdyk, soon to be 35, was honored by the Bruins with a pregame ceremony attended by his family and numerous friends. Amidst tributes and gifts, he stood proud, reflecting on his journey from the Flyers to the Maple Leafs and now to the Bruins, where he’s proved to be a valuable asset with impressive stats.
A tip of the cap to No. 2️⃣1️⃣
Watch full #JVR1000 congrats video ➡️ https://t.co/mpv0w9iRHV#NHLBruins | @JVReemer21 pic.twitter.com/IM8xRuZaqh
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 16, 2024
When asked what advice he would offer his younger self, van Riemsdyk emphasized the importance of establishing and maintaining a consistent routine. He recognized the evolution of his own approach over the years, moving away from casual habits like watching TV before practice to embracing thorough preparation for peak performance every night.
Through experience, he learned the significance of dedication and discipline in achieving longevity and success in the demanding world of professional hockey.
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