NHL

Panthers’ Petry Caps Milestone Season With Winter Classic Debut

After his 1,000th career NHL game in November, Florida Panthers defenseman Jeff Petry is participating in the first-ever Winter Classic in the Sunshine State.
Panthers’ Petry Caps Milestone Season With Winter Classic Debut
Jeff Petry (2) of the Florida Panthers in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2025. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Donald Laible
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What a memorable NHL season Jeff Petry is having.

Earlier this season, Panthers’ defenseman Petry, 38, became the 409th skater in NHL history to reach the 1,000th game plateau. Skating on the sheet of ice at the home of the Miami Marlins will be game 1,019, and climbing. For the first time in his 16-season NHL career, Petry will to experience the challenges and pageantry of what is the Winter Classic.

Donald Laible
Donald Laible
Author
Don has covered pro baseball for several decades, beginning in the minor leagues as a radio broadcaster in the NY Mets organization. His Ice Chips & Diamond Dust blog ran from 2012-2020 at uticaod.com. His baseball passion surrounds anything concerning the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and writing features on the players and staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don currently resides in southwest Florida.