NHL star Martin Necas was imitating Ben Shelton‘s cell phone celebration on the ice after winning a game in overtime. Officially, Shelton has now transcended the sport of tennis.

First, it was other tennis players who were imitating Shelton’s actions where he gestures his hands as though he is calling somebody. Novak Djokovic was slammed for imitating Shelton’s actions after Djokovic defeated him at the US Open. Many felt that Djokovic’s actions were in poor taste.

Necas plays for the Carolina Hurricanes. Necas and his teammate Svechnikov attended the US Open this year. It’s possible that Necas was inspired by Shelton.

Ben Shelton had an incredible 2023 season. He reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and the semifinals at the US Open. He won his first ATP title at the Japan Open and will finish the year in the Top 20 in world rankings.