Hurricanes Celebrate Two Players on Accomplishments

A couple of key players celebrated impressive milestones on this current road trip. The Carolina Hurricanes will certainly celebrate these accomplishments upon return to PNC Arena later this month.

Defenseman Brett Pesce and winger Jordan Martinook participated in their 500th NHL games.

Taking nothing away from Martinook’s achievement, but all of Pesce’s 500 games were played in a Hurricanes jersey.

Of course, Martinook has played 253 of the 500 games in the red and black. The other 247 games were played with the Arizona Coyotes, the team that drafted him.

Pesce’s Presence

Pesce has been a staple of the defensive group since entering the NHL in 2015.

Having recorded 33 goals and 163 points in his career so far, the most impressive statistic for the New York native is his plus 74.

This shows Pesce’s game’s importance to the Hurricanes since his first NHL game. He plays a steady style of hockey that allows him to not only be steady on defense but his skillset puts him in the rush for offensive chances.

It is hard to remember an “off” game for Pesce which allows his defensive partner the ability to settle into their respective games.

It is not inconceivable to think that Pesce will produce the same consistency and reach 1,000 games for the Hurricanes just as quickly, if not quicker.

Martinook’s Charismatic Personality

Martinook has the personality to be welcomed into any locker room but more importantly has the ability to welcome others into a room.

Having been a second-round draft choice of the Coyotes in 2012, Martinook never panned out to be a top line producer in the NHL.

Despite this, Martinook has adjusted to the grind of the NHL and become a responsible player on both ends of the ice. His physicality and skill make him a threat for every shift.

Scoring 60 goals and 144 points has shown the skillset that made him such a high draft pick.

The coaching staff and the players love Martinook on and off the ice. He is an important piece of the culture in Carolina and has been a trend setter since day 1.

Rod Brind’Amour can always count on Martinook to bring his best night in and night out. In times that Martinook has had to take a lesser role or even sit, he has been the ultimate professional and even better teammate.

This season things are really clicking for the 30-year old forward as he has scored 7 goals and 6 assists.

Martinook is an essential piece of the Jordan Staal and Jesper Fast line and makes that line the swiss army knife at the hands of Brind’Amour.

The line is counted on played solid defensive play with physicality, while turning the momentum of the game after giving up a goal.

Martinook wears the “A” for a reason and this year might be the best of his career.

Congratulations to Pesce and Martinook on 500 NHL games!