The Dunedin Thunder have more than one reason to celebrate after Chris Eaden and Joe Orr respectively brought up their 250th and 200th New Zealand Ice Hockey League games recently.
The veteran duo brought up their milestones during recent away games, but the Thunder will honour them during their home double-header against the Canterbury Red Devils — their former team — this weekend.
While Eaden was not one for recognising game achievements, ice hockey had given him a lot through the years.
"It’s more of the grind and hockey’s just such a great outlet and just keeps you on your toes," Eaden said.
"Every year you have a chance to win, give or take, so it’s just a cool opportunity.
"You kind of just get sucked back into the sport every year."
Eaden is one of the most decorated players in the league after skating on to the scene with the Red Devils in 2007.
He won four national titles and a three-time league MVP recipient in 2009, 2012 and 2022 and racked up 246 goals and 211 assists.
Nationally, Eaden’s worn the black jersey for the under-18s, under-20s — where he was named best forward at the under-20 world championships — and now the Ice Blacks, including being part of the world championship team in Dunedin earlier this year.
Eaden, who also had a stint with the Sydney Bears, joined the Thunder this year, a transition he called a "breath of fresh air".
"It’s kind on reinvigorated the sport for me a little bit.
"It was kind of like dwindling out and I thought ‘hey look, this is a new opportunity, test myself’ . . . and I’ve actually just loved every minute of it.
"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the people — it’s made the whole thing awesome."
Orr has been a staple of the Thunder line up through his early years and returned home this season.
He played three seasons with Williston State College, in the United States, and spent the past three seasons with the Red Devils before rejoining the Thunder this year.
After 14 years in the national league, Orr — who is also an Ice Black — has become a cult hero, with 67 goals and 55 assists across his tenure.
The Thunder opened their double-header against the Red Devils in Dunedin last night.
They play them again tonight, and Eaden said the Thunder needed to "stay out of the dog fight".
"We have everything to lose," Eaden said.
"Winning is the best scenario, but at the same time it’s just staying out of the penalty box so to speak and keeping cool heads."
The Thunder sit fourth on 20 points, well clear of the Red Devils who are fifth with three points.
The Southern Stampede (24 points) are on the road to the table leaders Botany Swarm (28 points) this weekend.
The Stampede then host the Thunder next weekend before the playoffs.
The playoff series this year will consists of 1 v 4 and 2 v 3 seeding match-ups in the semifinals from August 2-3.
The winner of the semifinals then advance to a three game finals series from August 15-17.
