'You Just Take Those Moments To Appreciate What Life Is All About': Maple Leafs' John Tavares Explains Why he has his Kids' Names on his Sticks

Tavares likes to keep things low key and the ceremony will be a special moment for his parents, siblings and the family on hand.

"The chance to share this with them really means a lot," Tavares said. "Great to have a few moments with them as well."

Tavares was asked about his routine of having his three kids' names (including daughter Rae) on his stick and how that came about.

"I think when Jace was born, I wanted to do something. I’ve seen guys do different things. I don’t think it was anything in particular. It was something I wanted to do daily in preparation," Tavares said. "So anytime I get my sticks ready it was a moment to do that. An appreciation now that I’m a father and that you just take those moments to appreciate what life is all about and how much more meaning there is to it."

Tavares' father, Joe, will also be one of the family members attending the ceremony. John explained following his achievement that it was really special for his dad to be on the trip because his dad missed a lot of his games working to support his hockey dream.

On one side of the stick are the kids' names. On the other is their respective birthdates.

When Tavares assisted on Morgan Rielly's goal against the Islanders to tie the game 3-3, Joe was caught on camera celebrating the moment hard. A rare occurrence given how usually stoic he has been.

"I don't think my dad realizes how viral he went there online," John said. 

It promises to be a memorable night for Toronto's captain. He became the first Leafs player to record 1,000 in nearly 20 years, with Alexander Mogilny last accomplishing the milestone on Mar. 15, 2004.