"One of the best ever": Wayne Gretzky, Connor McDavid, other Oilers laud equipment manager Jeff Lang on 1500-game milestone

Modified Nov 08, 2024 06:40 GMT

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky was among the big names who congratulated Edmonton Oilers head equipment manager Jeff Lang for crossing his 1,500-game milestone in the league. The Oilers played the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Place on Wednesday, which turned out to be the night Lang reached the historic career milestone.

The Oilers celebrated the occasion on social media with a special post for Lang. They shared a carousel of pictures including a custom poster, snapshots of special moments including a picture with captain Connor McDavid.

“Congratulations to #Oilers head equipment manager Jeff Lang on his 1,500th @NHL game! LeLetsGoOilers”, the post was captioned.

Oilers greats, including Wayne Gretzky, shared the post on their Instagram stories, congratulating Jeff Lang. Gretzky added:

“One of the best ever!!”

Wayne Gretzky (via Instagram/waynegretzky)

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid also shared the post on Instagram and shared a separate photo story for Lang, where he posed with their head equipment manager.

“1500 games! Thanks for everything, Langer!,” Connor McDavid wrote in the caption.

Connor McDavid (via Instagram/mcdavid97)

Oilers forwards Evander Kane and Leon Draisaitl also celebrated Lang’s special milestone. Draisaitl shared the Oilers' social media post on his Instagram story and added a clapping emoji to appreciate their head equipment manager.

Jeff Lang, who joined the Oilers in 2003 after working with Hockey Canada, has played an essential behind-the-scenes role for the team. Lang started his career in 1996 with the Calgary Royals of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he served as both a trainer and equipment manager.

Originally trained in medical assistance at Mount Royal College, Lang eventually shifted to equipment management and now worked his 1,500th NHL game.

Wayne Gretzky and family attended Donald Trump’s private party

Donald Trump was declared the 47th President of the United States, and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky’s family was among the prominent guests to show their support. On election night, Gretzky, his wife Janet and their family attended a private Republican gathering at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

Janet Gretzky shared a reel on Instagram, featuring images of the Gretzky family with Trump over the years and congratulated him on his victory. Her post included photos from the election night event, as well as past moments of their family with Trump.

The Mar-a-Lago event saw a number of high-profile attendees, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, UFC President Dana White and golfer Bryson DeChambeau.

Paulina Gretzky, Wayne’s daughter, posted a family photo from the event with her brother Trevor, husband Dustin Johnson and parents. Trevor sported a “Make America Great Again” cap on the night.