Kiefer Sherwood of the Vancouver Canucks made headlines on Saturday, March 22, 2025, when he broke the NHL record for hits in a single season, marking a significant moment in the history of ice hockey. The record-breaking hit came just 20 seconds into the game against the New York Rangers and was delivered to his former teammate Carson Soucy, making the occasion all the more poignant.
This remarkable achievement saw Sherwood surpass the previous record of 383 hits set by Jeremy Lauzon of the Nashville Predators during the 2023-24 season. With a total of 384 hits now, Sherwood has set a new standard in the sport, further highlighting his physical playing style and dedication to the game.
As fans celebrated this unique record, it's worth noting that Sherwood’s hitting prowess has been a consistent part of his career. Over the last three seasons, he has amassed significant hit totals, showcasing his impact on the ice. In the 2022-23 season with the Predators, he recorded 103 hits in just 32 games and followed that up with another 234 hits last season.
At the time of the article, Sherwood had tallied 391 hits in the current season alone and holds a career total of 883 hits across seven seasons in the NHL. His physical presence on the ice is matched by his offensive capabilities; the 29-year-old has scored 15 goals and recorded 14 assists for a total of 29 points in 66 games this season, making this arguably his best offensive performance throughout his career.
The NHL began officially tracking hits and body checks in the 2007-08 season, underscoring how relatively new this statistic is in the estimating player efficiency and role in games. In the modern age of the league, achieving such a high hit total is no small feat, representing the durability and commitment of players like Sherwood.
Fans and players alike celebrated this event, as it marks not just a personal triumph for Sherwood but a noteworthy achievement in the broader scope of the NHL. The significance is amplified by its context; Sherwood’s record-breaking hit against Soucy held an emotional weight, as both players were former teammates.
Throughout the past years, the record has changed hands several times—from Matt Martin of the New York Islanders breaking the 300-hit barrier during the 2014-15 season to Lauzon's previous record. With this evolution of hitting records, it solidifies the physical nature of the contemporary game.
Interestingly, despite Sherwood's reputation as a hitter, he has also been a vital part of his team’s offensive strategies. His performance showcases the balance of aggression and skill, a quality that teams value immensely. Sherwood isn't merely there to dish out hits; he has become an invaluable contributor on the scoreboard as well.
As the Vancouver Canucks continue their season, Sherwood's remarkable season puts him in the spotlight, not just for his record-breaking achievements but for his entire multifaceted game play. Will he continue to pile up hits while improving his scoring? This accomplishment may very well set a new benchmark for future generations of players.
The achievement shouldn't distract from the challenges the Canucks are facing this season, including navigating injuries and overall team performance issues. However, Sherwood’s success injects a dose of optimism within the locker room, solidifying his crucial role as both a leader and performer.
Undoubtedly, Kiefer Sherwood's record-setting performance has not only etched his name into the NHL history books but also provided a source of inspiration for aspiring young players aiming to leave their mark on the ice. As the story unfolds, many will track his progress as he pushes the boundaries of what is possible in terms of hits and overall contributions to the game.
This record likely represents just one chapter in Sherwood's evolving story in the NHL, and fans will keenly look forward to what lies ahead in his career.