Photo Credit: Our very own Ricky Brown
Just like that Claude Giroux was saluting the crowd, wiping away tears, as he received the first star following his historic 1,000th game with the Flyers. Giroux became just the second Flyer in history to eclipse the 1,000 game mark as a member of the orange and black. And reality setting for Giroux as he practically confirmed that this was indeed his final game before he gets moved, “The fans, the organization, my teammates,” Giroux said. “It was a fun night, but (Pause), not really.”
“Not really” as reality sunk in following the beautiful ceremony, and honoring of Giroux throughout the duration of the game, that this was indeed as last game before the proud faithful of Philadelphia. Reality that he will indeed be moved within the course of the next day or so.
A Hearst, Ontario native in Claude Giroux skated with his family and friends in Voorhees the day before just taking in the moment, “I’m trying to focus on playing a 1,000th game with the Flyers,” Giroux said. “It’s something I’m proud of. I’m very happy I got a chance to do this. After that, it’s going to be change the mindset a little bit and see how things are going to go.”
“Playing 1,000 games for one organization I think doesn’t happen often anymore. It was important to do this.” – Claude Giroux
With the trade deadline looming, this event, or goodbye event puts things in perspective. This may very well be his last game as a Flyer, so he was trying to relish the moment has he gave one final salute to the crowd, “I feel like I have a great relationship with the fans,” Giroux said. “I love them, that’s why tonight was so tough.”
Giroux made his NHL Debut on February 19, 2008. From there he continued to break Flyers record after record as he calls his team his second family, “I love them,” he said. “This week they have made me feel pretty special. It makes me feel a little awkward, but a lot of people like to feel love like this.”
Carter Hart hopes this was not Claude Giroux’s last game as a Flyer, “He’s a special player, teammate, and good friend,” Hart says. Hart says he wishes they could have given more for Giroux.
Kevin Hayes was very appreciative of all that Giroux has done for his career, and personally. Hayes called Giroux “An even better human,” following the game. “He (Claude Giroux) has been the heart and soul for this organization since he got here,” Hayes said.
As expected Giroux will not travel with the team to Ottawa, rather this will be a swift process to get him moved. I do not expect this to last very long, and the trade to another team could be complete as early as today, this will not linger. For one last night the Philly proud faithful got to see their beloved Giroux possibly one last time as a member of the Flyers.
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