Magootz
Verified Trader
Well deserved!
The New York Rangers announced Thursday that the team will retire jersey No. 2 in honor of Brian Leetch in an on-ice ceremony on Jan. 24.
"When we talk about what it means to be a New York Ranger, Brian Leetch is the player who exemplifies that model," said President and General Manager Glen Sather in a statement.
"He is simply the greatest defenseman in the history of the franchise and gave the same effort when it came to helping the community off the ice. There is no higher honor to grant Brian then to have his number raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden to join the other Garden legends."
Leetch, who retired from hockey after a memorable 18-year career, holds the franchise record with 741 career assists and ranks second in career points (981) and games played (1,129). He also holds the Rangers record for goals by a defenseman, with 240.
Leetch appeared in 1,205 career games with the Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins, registering 247 goals and 781 assists for 1,028 points, along with 571 penalty minutes.
He was a catalyst during the Rangers' run to the 1994 Stanley Cup Championship, in which he led the NHL with 11 goals and for 34 points and became first American born player to capture the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Leetch will join Rod Gilbert (7), Eddie Giacomin (1), Mike Richter (35) and Mark Messier (11) as the only Rangers players to have their jersey numbers retired. Wayne Gretzky retired as a Ranger in 1999 and the NHL retired his trademark No. 99 throughout the league.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=217709&hubname=
The New York Rangers announced Thursday that the team will retire jersey No. 2 in honor of Brian Leetch in an on-ice ceremony on Jan. 24.
"When we talk about what it means to be a New York Ranger, Brian Leetch is the player who exemplifies that model," said President and General Manager Glen Sather in a statement.
"He is simply the greatest defenseman in the history of the franchise and gave the same effort when it came to helping the community off the ice. There is no higher honor to grant Brian then to have his number raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden to join the other Garden legends."
Leetch, who retired from hockey after a memorable 18-year career, holds the franchise record with 741 career assists and ranks second in career points (981) and games played (1,129). He also holds the Rangers record for goals by a defenseman, with 240.
Leetch appeared in 1,205 career games with the Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins, registering 247 goals and 781 assists for 1,028 points, along with 571 penalty minutes.
He was a catalyst during the Rangers' run to the 1994 Stanley Cup Championship, in which he led the NHL with 11 goals and for 34 points and became first American born player to capture the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Leetch will join Rod Gilbert (7), Eddie Giacomin (1), Mike Richter (35) and Mark Messier (11) as the only Rangers players to have their jersey numbers retired. Wayne Gretzky retired as a Ranger in 1999 and the NHL retired his trademark No. 99 throughout the league.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=217709&hubname=
I may have to make the trip. Maybe I'll ask Leetchie to join me at Scores after the game. For those not familiar with Scores, it's Howard Stern's favorite hangout.
Mike
