Colin Shields has seen it and done it all during his time at Belfast Giants, but admits he misses having coach Adam Keefe on the ice with him.
The Scot made his 600th appearance in all Elite League competitions in Belfast’s 6-5 win at Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday, even scoring to cap off the landmark.
And he admits as he looks back on his career, the time has flown by but says he’s still healthy enough to play for years to come.
“It was good to reach that milestone,” he said. “Obviously I’ve played in the league for a long time and I’m lucky to have played with and against some great players.
“I feel like I’ve still got a lot of hockey in me and a few more championships to try and help bring back to Belfast.
“The time seems to have flown past as I look back and when I see the young players coming through, it takes me back to my first couple of years starting out.
“As far as I’m concerned, I still feel healthy and able to contribute to the team and I aim to play as long as I can.
“Adam’s a passionate guy and has always played with his hear t on his sleeve. Now he’s the coach, he’s all business and you know he’ll give 100% every time.
“He was a great presence on the ice, doing great things on penalty kills and blocking shots and we do miss having him.
“But strangely, it feels like he’s around more now he’s the coach. I’m enjoying working with him and look forward to seeing where that goes.”
Giants will take on Sheffield Steelers in a home and away double header with league and Ehrhardt Conference points up for grabs.
Shields admits it’s a test for the new-look Belfast team looking ahead, but says he and his team-mates are keen to make their mark against Paul Thompson’s side.
He added: “Sheffield Steelers will give us a test this weekend, no question and it’s still early in the season. Any points you play for even this early are important, especially against the top teams.
“We did well against the Steelers and Nottingham last year so we want to make our mark in those sorts of games this time.
“They’ve kept a few guys and plugged the gaps left by those who’ve gone. Mustukovs always did well against us so we’ll look to get to him early and try and tightening up at the back.”
