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‘RNH is the OG’: Oilers fans share their favourite memories of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ first 1,000 games
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past 15 seasons, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been a favourite for many Edmonton Oilers fans.
From a young playmaker to a defensively sound forward whose play has always been highlighted by every coach who’s been behind the Oilers bench, one thing has remained certain: his loyalty to the organization.
From 2011 to now, fans of the Oilers have been treated to many memories from Nugent-Hopkins, even during those dark days in the early stages of his career. Now, on the brink of his 1,000th NHL game, fans have shared their favourite moments and stories of him wearing the Oilers crest.
The comments in this article come from a recent Oilersnation social media post asking fans for their favourite memories of Nugent-Hopkins.
Sean Monahan fight, that game itself was so good – Owen Jackson via FacebookThe best thing is all the non-hockey minds that can only look at points as a means to judge a player. RNH was a great first overall pick. And his career backs it up. Congrats Ryan on your accomplishments. And thanx for staying a Oiler. – Roger Bratrud via FacebookWhen he was just drafted to the Oilers and fresh 18, he was waiting in line at a bar behind my friend and I in Edmonton. A few people back. Someone noticed him and said: “You’re Nugent-Hopkins. You’re a celebrity in Edmonton, you don’t f**king wait in line here.” Then grabbed his arm and pulled him up to the bouncers, who promptly let him in. Was absolutely priceless lol. – Brandon Van Camp via FacebookWhen he took the reins from Smyth to become Edmonton’s heart and soul! He’s a great player and an even better person. It’s been a journey and a pleasure watching him play. – Jason Erker via FacebookWhen he was first drafted, thinking he will complement Taylor Hall. I was wrong. So glad I was wrong. Also that time he stuck up for Yamamoto. That was a class act. A real leader without a letter “C”. – Raju Dhariwal via Facebook
That’s the thing with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Even through the Decade of Darkness, he never complained. He simply put his head down and went to work, honing his craft and being ready when the time came for the Oilers to become a winning franchise once again.
While he’s had two trips to the Stanley Cup Final but no hardware to show for it, his patience with the organization has paid off immensely.
Him fighting Sean monahan. I’ve been following the oilers since 2011, easily the best, nuge had that dog in him. – R. Jospeph002 via InstagramEvery second he’s an Oilers is my favourite nuge memory. – Cadburryminiegg via InstagramEnjoyed his rookie season when he was passing the puck like Gretzky and when he was carrying the Hall – RNH – Eberle line. – Thecanedihansteve via InstagramGetting selected first overall to us or taking a HUGE discount to stay as an Oil. – Rowanjohnson.58 via Instagram
We received one comment from Ricky Thesen on Facebook, which summed up Nugent-Hopkins very well.
Hard to pick just one RNH is the OG! I think it’s just his game in and game out style, versatility and never give up on a play attitude. He’s a Swiss Army Knife he can play any forward position and just rolls thru smoothly. He’s been in the trenches with this team and fan base through the dark times and the good times.ot to mention the team friendly deals he has signed to STAY the course. I have sons that are and have grown up playing hockey and I have them watch his positioning and his back checking to show them how the game is meant to be played. 1000 games bleeding the Oil Drop is truly something to celebrate.
Sunday night will truly be one to celebrate, the first player in Oilers history to play 1,000 games for the club, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. From dropping the gloves to dishing out sweet passes, Nuge has remained loyal and patient throughout the years, proving that commitment and discipline reward you in the end.
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- Welcome to Nuge Week: A celebration of Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ahead of his 1,000th game
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- A look at Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ biggest milestones ahead of his 1,000th game
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ top 10 most memorable moments ahead of his 1000th game
- A one-on-one with Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins discussing his 1,000th Game
- Former Oilers teammate Ryan Jones believes Nugent-Hopkins will retire as ‘one of the best’ all-around players to ever play
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