Former NHL star Joe Pavelski just proved he’s still got game – just on a different kind of ice. The retired hockey legend sank an incredible walk-off eagle putt to win the American Century Championship on Sunday, beating out a field packed with sports celebrities.
It was a pretty amazing moment for Pavelski, who’s only been retired from hockey for about a year. This was his ninth time playing in the tournament, but his first win.
When that final putt dropped, Pavelski couldn’t contain his excitement. He celebrated with his caddie before rushing to hug his family who were watching greenside.
Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz took second place. Country music star Jake Owen grabbed third, while ex-soccer pro Taylor Twellman and NBA superstar Steph Curry rounded out the top five.
Pavelski’s golf trophy case might be just getting started, but his NHL achievements are tough to match. He played an incredible 1,332 games – more than any American-born player ever. Along the way, he racked up 476 goals and 592 assists.
He was also a four-time All-Star and made the NHL’s second All-Star team in 2014.
The tournament had its share of viral moments too. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle made headlines when he playfully delivered some “sweet chin music” to WWE star The Miz on the tee box.
And Philadelphia Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins hit the shot of the tournament – a hole-in-one that won him a boat.
But the day belonged to Pavelski, who’s clearly found a new competitive outlet after hanging up his hockey skates. Not a bad way to spend retirement.
