Congratulations, Mike, on 500!

Former Minnesota North Star, current Dallas Star, Mike Modano has scored his 500th NHL goal, only the second American born player to do so.

For the non-initiated, this is an amazing feat. First, a man plays his whole career with one team is in and of itself a rarity these days. Seeing Joe Montana as a Chief was gut-wrenching, or Willie Mays as a (shudder) Met. Modano's longevity with the Stars is to be commended.

Second, 500 goals is a lot of goals, and is a huge milestone. Modano started playing in 1989, and 18 years of hockey in the NHL is a long time to play a fast and dangerous game.

I grew up in Minnesota and went to my share of North Star games at the old Met Center. That was when the NHL expanded from the initial six teams. I loved rooting for Bill Goldsworthy, Lou Nanne, Gump Worsley (what a name!), and the other Stars.

Of course, the North Star games were nothing compared to the excitement of the Minnesota State Hockey tournament, and here. I attended several of those as a kid, and they were the most exciting events I have ever attended. I remember the heroes of my youth playing for distant places like Warroad and Roseau, and for local powerhouses like the Edina Hornets.

I could not agree more with the Powerline guys about this being the greatest sporting event ever. And I absolutely LOVE this picture of the guys who just won the game. The sheer joy on their faces has no monetary price.

Congratulations, Mike Modano.