Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Rangers announce plans to retire Brian Leetch's #2 to MSG rafters

This is an event I've been waiting for ever since Brian Leetch played his final game as a member of the New York Rangers in March 2004. Even though he made an ever-so-brief stop in Toronto and played his 18th and final NHL season in Boston, he will always be remembered in my mind as a Ranger. Sixteen years can only validate my belief. When he played his only game as a visiting player at Madison Square Garden, seeing him in that Bruins uniform just didn't look right at all. The arena certainly didn't have the same atmosphere the night Ed Giacomin returned in a Red Wings uniform, but fans gave Leetch a long standing ovation he'll never forget.

Five days ago, the Rangers announced that they will retire Leetch's #2 at Madison Square Garden when the Atlanta Thrashers come to town for a January 24, 2008 game. It will certainly be special. It felt like it was literally yesterday when his 1994 Stanley Cup champion teammates Mike Richter and Mark Messier each had their numbers retired. When this night arrives, I'll definitely have my VCR ready to record.

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