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Posted by Daniel Alfredsson on November 16, 2007 I played my 800th career game on Thursday night, and I'm feeling better than ever about my game. I've been lucky to stay fairly healthy, and you get smarter with age about that. Obviously, you know the routines and you know, on off-days, you probably have to ride the bike and stretch. When you're 25, you don't have to do that because you're loose and fine the next morning anyways. You look after yourself a little more, you pay a little more attention to what you eat than you used to, and how you work out. That kind of balances it out. I don't find it too hard. I'm playing better now than I ever have. When I think about it, I kind of ask myself, what took me so long? I've said before that I changed my skates at Christmas last year and ever since, I've been playing really well and consistently. That's been a big kick for me and obviously, going to the Stanley Cup finals was a really big kick and we'd like to get back there. The fans gave me a really nice ovation Thursday night when they announced it was my 800th game. They showed that they really appreciate what you do and what I've done throughout my career here. I'm very fortunate to be able to play in a Canadian city, where the fans are really knowledgeable. That makes it much more appreciative to me. I didn't expect that response Thursday night, and I didn't really know how to respond. But it's something I'll always remember. A lot of the fans here have been Senators fans for 12 years. They've seen me throughout my career, and they know we've come from the bottom and now we're at the top. It's been a long road, but there's a connection there. Chris Phillips and Wade Redden have been here a long time, too. We appreciate that the fans support us throughout, and the same goes for them. |
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Hey Alfie,
I was at the game last night, and it was awesome to see you get honoured with that ovation. You derserve it! I'm 27 now and I've been a sens fan since day one, and it's been a real pleasure to have a player like you in our city. You've shown such a commitment to this team and the city of Ottawa that will never be forgotten here. Looking forward to the rest of the year. Good luck!
Posted by: Wade | November 16, 2007 at 04:39 PM
Great performance in your 800th game, Alfie! Can't wait 'til the 1000th. :)
Posted by: Victoria L | November 16, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Congrats on reaching game 800, that's a great accomplishment. What's even better is you've played them all with the Sens. You're definitely playing the best I've seen you play, and it's paying off. Keep up the great work, looking forward to see you play your 900th.
Posted by: Chris McDonald | November 16, 2007 at 05:33 PM
Captain Dan, I salute you on the great accomplishment you have made from day one. It is players like you that make me proud to wear a Senator jersey. 800 games with the same club and you just seem to get better. My wife kinda misses the hair though. I know that 800 more is a long way away, but for whatever span you play, you have my support and applause. Thanks for all the hard work.
Posted by: Fred Goertzen | November 16, 2007 at 05:52 PM
Congratulations on 800 games! Your team is stealing the hearts of hockey fans across this country.
Good luck this Saturday in Toronto. :)
Posted by: Aisha | November 16, 2007 at 06:00 PM
It was great seeing you get those two goals last night to celebrate your 800th game. You're a great leader for the team and hopefully it'll pay of this year and you'll get to bring home Stanley!
Posted by: Ryan | November 16, 2007 at 06:38 PM
Great game Alfie! Here's to another 800:)
Posted by: Jenn Knott | November 16, 2007 at 07:43 PM
Congratulations on playing your 800th career game. It must be nice to have been able to do it with the same organization and with such an awesome group of guys.
We the fans truly love and support you 110%. Thank you for giving us the best hockey to watch. We are behind you all the way.
Give my thanks to the whole team for the hardwork, and a special congratulations to Chris Neil on his 400th game!
Posted by: Melissa M | November 16, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Hi, Daniel!
I had the pleasure of attending your 800th game and it's unbelievable to think how far you've come in your career as a Senator. I've supported you endlessly through the good times as well as the bad, and there's no doubt in my mind that you're the pulse of this team. You deserve all the respect in the world from hockey fans everywhere.
Thank you for everything you've done for the organization and the confidence you've helped instill in the Sens Army.
Here's to the rest of the season and beyond! :)
Posted by: Aisys A | November 16, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Congratulations Alfie!!...You are a all round fantastic athlete. I am so glad you are with "my team"....All the best in the coming years
Posted by: erin m (pickering ontario) | November 16, 2007 at 08:42 PM
Congratulations on your 800th game Alfie! And two goals to boot!!! I was at the game on Thursday night and it truly was a pleasure to give you that much deserved ovation. You truly are a leader and a class act! I look forward to seeing you play for may more years.
Posted by: Louise Tremblay | November 16, 2007 at 08:46 PM
Alfie,
Congratulations on 800 games, we know it's unlikely but we wish you could play 800 more. I couldn't make the game on Thursday but I would have been standing with the rest of your fans giving you an ovation. Getting 2 goals in that game was like icing on the cake. What a day it was!!!
You're right, you have been playing better hockey than ever before, just when I think you're at the top of your game, you come out even better. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. May there be many more. (Lord Stanley, Hall of Fame) Just to name a couple. Keep it up Alfie. We Love You.
Posted by: Kathie | November 16, 2007 at 09:03 PM
Congratulations Daniel on your 800th game! As captain, you bring such passion and energy to the game every time you play. Keep up the amazing work! I predict more ovations for you this season.
Posted by: Melanie | November 16, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Congratulations Daniel, on your 800th game as an Ottawa Senator and on your amazing career. I have always been a fan of yours and know that you will do your best to "bring home Stanley". Great blog, too! Keep it up.
Posted by: Shirly Caibaiosai | November 16, 2007 at 11:33 PM
Congratulations Alfie, 800 games is a huge achievement, and it means the world to me (and probably every other Senators fan) that you've stuck with the team all these years. We wouldn't be at the top without you!
Posted by: Ashley Roos | November 17, 2007 at 01:31 AM
Congratulations on your milestone accomplishment! You are truly a wonderful captain and iconic Senator. I hope you will be that rare commodity in professional sports, a career one team player, as I am counting on seeing you always in our Sens jersey. May you lead our team all the way to the Cup!
Posted by: Joanne | November 17, 2007 at 08:30 AM
Being just a little younger than you, I can appreciate how things change from your 20s. You definitely do start thinking and doing more for your health rather than just banging around. Having kids around to wake you up early the next morning is an adjustment from your mid-20's too! But whatever you're doing, it's working, so keep it up!
As for the ovation, the fans appreciate not just winners, but people who try hard. You deserved the ovation by setting an example on (and apparently off) the ice over the last 12 years. And we appreciate someone who has been loyal to our team, rather than constantly testing the waters for more money. You responded perfectly to the ovation- not with a goal, but with a big smile on your face. That shows us that you enjoy hearing the fans as much as we enjoy watching you. The two goals were just icing on the cake! I'm looking forward to watching you guys pound the Leafs!
Posted by: Tony V | November 17, 2007 at 09:29 AM
We love you, Alfie! You deserve every ovation you get. Keep it up, we're proud of you!
Posted by: Kerri | November 17, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Alfie - no-one on the team plays harder each and every night. We really appreciate the effort you give and the leadership qualities you display for the rest of the team. Lead by example! Keep up the great work and know we are always rooting for you!
Posted by: D C | November 17, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Alfie, speaking on behalf of an overwhelming majority of Sens fans who have seen you grow up with the rest of the team, it's been an absolute pleasure to watch your on-ice performance. Please keep up the great work and bring us home a cup this year! Wooooooo.
Posted by: PA Nantman | November 17, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Congratulations on your 800th game! And your 2 goals that night. You are a true captian for sure you can lead the team no matter how well or how bad the team is playing that night and make everyone around you look like a superstar!! Thanks for all of your hard work! Go Sens GO!!!
Posted by: Ellen Day | November 17, 2007 at 11:04 AM
It was amazing to get to see you score two goals during your 800th game. I may be biased but I think your the best player in the league right now. Everything you do is just amazing-scoring,penalty killing and leading this team. I speak on behalf of all Sens fans when I say we could not hav hoped for a better captain that you Alfie!
Posted by: SophieM | November 17, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Alfie,
Hitting 800 games couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Congrats on this milestone, and here's looking forward to the 1000 game mark!
Posted by: Alex | November 17, 2007 at 12:09 PM
What an incredible game that you guys played!!
Keep up the good work :D
I wish that I could be in Ottawa to see you guys play!
Alfie You are the BEST! ;)
Go Sens Go!!
Posted by: Yannick | November 17, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Daniel, the praise you receive from this city is well earned. The admiration goes far beyond the creative magic you display on the ice. As an Ottawa resident, and lifelong Senators fan, I look up to you as a leader both in hockey and in life. You are an ambassador for this city - displaying a selfless, passionate, and powerful style of leadership. We remember all to well the financial struggle the team went through a decade ago, and the sacrifices you made to keep this team competitive and in Ottawa. Leading by example - you are the consumate Captain. Congratulations on your milestone game, I look forward to seeing you play for years to come.
Posted by: Peter | November 17, 2007 at 01:10 PM