Brian Elliott “The Moose” has stepped up in time of need time and time again, even with all his prior injuries with the Flyers. Elliott was solid this past season, and he did everything he could to keep the Flyers afloat, “Nothing has come really that easy for me,” Brian Elliott said following his 500th game. “You just have to work hard. Ever since getting drafted second to last overall, it really puts a burr in your saddle and you just want to prove to everybody you can do it. I’ve had a lot of help through the year. Starting with parents, family, my brother and then teammates, coaches, everybody has a role of getting you to a point where you can play 500 games in the NHL. I’m so thankful for everybody along the way. Wife and kids just make you keep pushing. Know that you’re playing for something bigger than yourself. I just want to thank everybody.”
Happy Father’s Day to Elliott, as he always thinks of his wife and kids first and foremost. He became the 4th goalie in Flyers history to play in 500 career NHL games, and yes his wife and kids were a n hand for it, “Really special (To play in his 500th game),” Elliott said postgame. “I mean to be able to play 500 games in this league is an accomplishment I’m really proud of. I tried to soak it in and just enjoy the moment. It’s not ideal the way it turned out. It’s kind of how the season was going a little bit. I’m really proud of the fact to be able to reach that milestone as a goalie. Really happy that my wife and kids were there watching. Really joyful for me.”
“The Moose” just goes about his business when his number is called. Was this season easy for him or the team for that matter…no, but Elliott is a warrior and does whatever is possible to give his team a lift. Elliott carried the heavy lifting down the stretch as Carter Hart was on the shelf for the rest of the season.
“When we play mini sticks at home, I’m the one on the other side of the glass and I have to give ‘knucks’ as he kind of wheeling around (While speaking about his kids). It’s awesome to have them there. In a weird year like this where you’re away from your family a lot, it just makes everything that much better. Can’t wait to see them in the morning when they wake up pretty tired after spending the night at the rink.”– Brian Elliott
Elliott has been a great mentor for the young Hart, with both of these netminders speak highly of one another with both saying they have formed a great relationship with one another. This is the main reason Elliott is here in Philadelphia, to help Hart grow into the franchise netminder, as every prospect will go through ups and downs. It happens, and the hope is Hart will bounce back better than ever.
The 35-year-old in Elliott has turned into a warrior through all of this. Kevin Hayes was right this year when he said that Elliott was “The ultimate teammate” before Elliott’s 500th career NHL game began. Whatever the future holds for Elliott, he is an excellent father and husband first and foremost.
