Kane and van Riemsdyk Eager to Add to Their Outdoor Game Records at 2025 Stad...

Perfettis

COLUMBUS  Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk,  both top picks in the 2007 NHL Draft,  will share a special moment when they take to the ice in the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on Saturday. The two forwards are not only legends in their own right,  but they also rank as the skaters with the most outdoor game appearances in NHL history.

Kane,  the Detroit forward who was selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007,  will play in his seventh outdoor game,  breaking a tie for second-most all time. Van Riemsdyk,  the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007,  will extend his record to eight outdoor games.

"Every outdoor game is unique in its own way https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-canada-brayden-point-jersey, " said van Riemsdyk. "Its always a special experience,  especially because it brings along a lot of people whove supported you throughout your journey. Ive got family and friends coming who have been with me all along,  especially now that Im older and have kids of my own."

Van Riemsdyks outdoor game experience spans across three Winter Classics,  two Stadium Series events,  and one Centennial Classic and NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe. He has a 3-3-1 record in these games,  scoring three goals and adding six points. "Having the chance to attend some college football games,  including some at The Big House in Michigan,  gives you a feel for the environment, " van Riemsdyk shared. "To be part of something like this,  in such a special atmosphere,  is going to be memorable."

On the other hand,  Kane has scored three points in his six outdoor game appearances,  although his record stands at 1-5-0. Kane has played in four Winter Classics and one Stadium Series event,  and this marks the first time hell be participating with his four-year-old son,  Patrick.

"I remember the first time I took him out on the ice and skated with him, " Kane recalled. "Everyone was telling me to be careful when I bent down to pick him up. So,  today I just let my wife Amanda do all the work and enjoyed spending time with my family. These events are special because theyre fun,  but they also tie in with the fierce Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. Its a chance to enjoy a big game with the family."

Kanes only outdoor game goal came in the 2016 NHL Stadium Series against the Minnesota Wild at TCF Bank Stadium,  when he was with the Blackhawks. He last played in an outdoor game in the 2019 Winter Classic. "The first Winter Classic in 2009 was so exciting because outdoor games werent as popular then, " Kane reflected. "For a while,  it felt like we were playing in one every year. But its been about five or six years since I last played outdoors,  so its thrilling to get back outside and experience that unique atmosphere in the middle of a football field."

The 2007 NHL Draft,  which took place at Nationwide Arena in Columbus,  holds a special connection for both Kane and van Riemsdyk,  as it brings the two full circle in their careers. The pair also represented the United States together at the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship,  and were teammates in the 2014 Sochi Olympics,  2016 World Cup of Hockey,  and 2019 World Championships.

"It's crazy to think its almost been 20 years, " van Riemsdyk said. "Time flies,  and its amazing to see how our careers have unfolded. Its been quite the journey."

Kane,  36,  has amassed 1, 319 points 485 goals,  834 assists) in 1, 279 NHL games across 18 seasons. Van Riemsdyk,  35 https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-finland-anton-lundell-jersey,  has recorded 657 points 325 goals,  332 assists) in 1, 063 NHL games during 16 seasons.

"Every chance I get to play against him is always fun, " van Riemsdyk added. "Hes a great friend,  and weve been through a lot of memorable events together. Hes someone Ive learned a lot from during my career,  and Im lucky to call him a friend. Weve been doing this for a long time,  and I dont take that for granted. It makes it even more special when we get to share moments like these on the ice."

As they prepare to add to their outdoor game legacies,  both Kane and van Riemsdyk are excited about the upcoming event,  making the 2025 Stadium Series an unforgettable chapter in their already illustrious careers.

Erik Haula 4NF Jersey