Players, coaches and supporters gathered Saturday night at Legends Bar and Grill to celebrate coach Al Murdoch’s 1,000th win.

Murdoch achieved the milestone Feb. 18 when Iowa State defeated Indiana in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League tournament. “Doctor Hockey” finished his 42nd year on the bench with a 1002-493-36 record after sweeping Northern Iowa.

“I think very highly of him,” said John Robyt, professor in biochemistry who serves as an adviser to the Cyclone hockey staff. “He is tough but fair. He is an optimum optimist and has made a big contribution to this university.”

Robyt, along with the other advisers, meet with Murdoch weekly for breakfast to discuss anything from money to players to the coaching staff. That staff includes Murdoch’s son, Andrew. Andrew played under his father at Iowa State and has been influenced by him every step of the way.

“I like how he cares about the players,” said Andrew Murdoch. “A lot of people say I’m similar to him with always bringing a positive attitude.”

Andrew said it was good for his father to get the milestone out of the way. Andrew was a senior captain and made the Final Four twice at nationals. From playing for him to coaching alongside him, Andrew, now a financial adviser, said he understands how important hockey is to his father.

“The players mean so much to him – I try to do that with my clients, so I try to bring that passion that he has towards that everyday,” Murdoch said.