Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares expressed gratitude for his family and loved ones after being honoured by the team for scoring his 500th NHL goal. Tavares reached the milestone on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 29 and didn’t get a chance to celebrate, due to the game score at the time. Ahead of Wednesday’s victory over the Utah Mammoth, the Maple Leafs presented Tavares with a commemorative gold stick, and he was joined by his wife, three kids, his parents, along with general manager Brad Treliving.

“Obviously being honoured like that is really, really special,” Tavares said post-game. “And to share with my family is amazing. They’ve been on the journey, my parents right from the get go and now my wife and my kids. So amazing, I get to share with them, they’re my biggest supporters and sacrifice a lot so I can do what I do. Really glad I got to share with them. And even better, just to follow it up with a great effort today and a big win and carry the momentum on.”

Tavares submitted another terrific performance, registering a goal and an assist in Wednesday’s win. At the time of this filing, Tavares leads the NHL with 13 points at 5-on-5, and he’s been the Maple Leafs’ most consistent player through the opening month of the season.

Although he’s been known to eschew individual attention, Tavares is finally letting the gravity of his accomplishment sink in.

“I think it hit me more today. I think it makes you think about a lot of things, and I think mostly you’re just…obviously, the goals are amazing and I’m very proud of it and a lot of people have obviously contributed to it. Just to be going since I was a kid to this point and being in the position that I’m in, I’m just really grateful and thankful for so many people that have impacted me in a great way and continue to support me today.”

Tavares and the Maple Leafs resume their schedule Saturday, hosting the Boston Bruins.