This is the kind of thing you love to see, especially with former National Hockey League players that were so beloved during their time in the league.

This week, former NHL star Phil Kessel will receive an awesome tribute on behalf of the Pittsburgh Penguins when he is honored with his very own bobblehead night, where the first 7500 fans to show up to the arena for the Penguins game against the Columbus Blue Jackets will get a miniature Phil Kessel of their own to take home.

It’s a very classy gesture on the part of the Penguins and a great way to pay tribute to a player who made such important contributions to the franchise, winning his first two Stanley Cup championships as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. It also speaks to just how beloved a player Kessel was in the city of Pittsburgh, and across the NHL in general, that he could still generate this level interest even long after he has moved on.

Kessel last played for the Penguins in 2019.

The Penguins made the announcement by describing Kessel with words that have become somewhat of an iconic description of the man.

Nice guy.
Tries hard.
Loves the game.

It’s probably worth noting that he’s now also a three time Stanley Cup champion.

I have no doubt that the tribute to Kessel will generate a ton of interest in the game which comes at a great time for a Penguins team that has struggled on the ice this season.