*They will have the second real giveaway of the season, a minibanner. The first giveaway was the Hummer calender poster; you can expect the minibanner to also be sponsored. Hopefully the logo for Modells, Hummer, XM, whoever will be smaller than the No. 2.*Rick Carpiniello said that the Leetch presser Wednesday night was a who's-who of recent Rangers alumni and that Leetch (rightly) still holds plenty of resentment towards Sather. Do we hear our first 'Fire Sather' chants of the season tonight?
*Leetch handled everything with a level of class that does the jersey proud. He was, and always will be a New York Ranger - no matter where he spent the final hours of his career.
*I have two memories of Leetch that stand out. 1 - I remember a rush he made in his rookie year that Sam and J.D. called Orr-esque. Leetch went end-to-end and scored. Back then I didn't really realize just what that praise meant, but I knew that the play was amazing. Who knew it would be the first of many?? As for memory No. 2 - Leetch broke his ankle slipping on some ice. How is that for irony?? A hockey player slips on ice and gets hurt. Granted, rumours had it he was plastered, but that was just rumours so I shall leave it at that. Pretty funny though ...
*I mentioned Orr - on the Rangers/Bruins broadcast - the shootout loss in Boston on Saturday - Sam mentioned that Sather had asked the B's legend to speak but he had to decline. That is a damn shame but does mean that Sather at least put real effort in to the ceremony, perhaps as a small step to get Leetch back in the fold. I don't think it will work, but I think that the ceremony will be special. Lots of speeches, gifts and grown men crying ... and at the center of it all, a guy who hates attention.
*Brian Leetch should never have been the captain of the Rangers. He had the untenable task of taking the C that Messier left for Vancouver and just was not the man for the job. His quiet, calm demeanor and loathing for the limelight just could not replace the cult of personality that was Mess. If anyone, that C should have gone to Graves, as his rough-and-tumble playing style and utmost devotion to his team would have better served the role. That is not to say that Leetch was not devoted, but he worked best in a supporting role, not a starring. But, that being said, he was a true Ranger great and, as the first defensemen to get his number retired, he represents all of the great Blueshirt blueliners through the history of the franchise. I think it is safe to say that he does them and all of the Rangers players and fans very, very proud.
Brian Leetch Night: Celebrating a Rangers Legend - Morning Edition
The morning dawned with anticipation and excitement as fans of the New York Rangers eagerly awaited the celebration of one of their beloved icons, Brian Leetch. Brian Leetch Night at Madison Square Garden was a historic event that paid tribute to the exceptional career of a Rangers legend. In this morning edition article, we'll take a detailed look at this extraordinary occasion, delve into the significance of Brian Leetch's contributions to the Rangers, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the festivities and the remarkable career of Brian Leetch.
Section 1: Brian Leetch - A Rangers Icon
1.1 From Texas to Broadway
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Brian Leetch's journey to becoming a Rangers legend was a remarkable one. He honed his hockey skills, and his standout performances at Boston College drew the attention of NHL scouts.
1.2 Drafted by the Rangers
In the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers selected Brian Leetch with the ninth overall pick. Little did they know that they had just secured the services of a future Hall of Famer and franchise icon.
1.3 Stanley Cup Glory
One of the defining moments of Brian Leetch's career came in 1994 when he captained the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 54 years. His exceptional play during that playoff run earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the postseason.
Section 2: Brian Leetch Night - The Celebratory Event
2.1 Retiring Number 2
The centerpiece of Brian Leetch Night was the retirement of his iconic jersey number, 2, to the rafters of Madison Square Garden. This honor is reserved for players who have made exceptional contributions to the franchise.
2.2 Heartfelt Tributes
The retirement ceremony was filled with heartfelt tributes from former teammates, coaches, and Brian Leetch himself. These testimonials painted a vivid picture of his impact on and off the ice.
2.3 Video Montages
Throughout the evening, video montages showcased the memorable highlights of Brian Leetch's illustrious career, from his incredible assists to his leadership during the Rangers' historic Stanley Cup win.
Section 3: The Legacy of Brian Leetch
3.1 A Rangers Icon
Brian Leetch's legacy extends far beyond the ice rink. He is not only remembered as one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history but also as an iconic figure in New York Rangers lore.
3.2 Two-Time Norris Trophy Winner
Leetch's prowess as a defenseman was recognized with two Norris Trophies, awarded to the NHL's best defenseman. His ability to contribute offensively while excelling defensively set him apart.
3.3 Continued Involvement in Hockey
Even after retiring as a player, Brian Leetch remained actively involved in the hockey world. He became an ambassador for the sport, participating in charitable initiatives and events that benefited the community.
Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
4.1 What criteria are used to retire a player's jersey number in the NHL?
The retirement of a player's jersey number in the NHL typically signifies that the player has made extraordinary contributions to the franchise, achieved significant individual and team success, and left an indelible mark on the organization.
4.2 Is it common for NHL players to have their jersey numbers retired?
No, the retirement of jersey numbers in the NHL is a rare and prestigious honor. It is reserved for the most iconic and influential players in a franchise's history.
4.3 What other Rangers players have had their jersey numbers retired?
In addition to Brian Leetch, other Rangers legends with retired jersey numbers include Mark Messier (11), Rod Gilbert (7), Eddie Giacomin (1), Adam Graves (9), and Mike Richter (35).
4.4 Did Brian Leetch have any involvement with the New York Rangers after his retirement?
Yes, Brian Leetch remained actively involved with the New York Rangers organization after retiring as a player. He participated in alumni events, charitable initiatives, and maintained a presence in the hockey community.
4.5 What is the significance of the Conn Smythe Trophy in the NHL?
The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It is a prestigious honor, as it recognizes a player's exceptional contributions during the postseason, often in leading their team to a championship.
Brian Leetch Night, the morning edition, was a celebration of a Rangers legend whose impact on the franchise and the sport of hockey was immeasurable. The retirement of his iconic number 2 jersey to the rafters of Madison Square Garden ensured that his name would forever be associated with Rangers greatness. As fans, we cherish not only the thrilling moments he provided on the ice but also the character and leadership he exhibited throughout his storied career. Brian Leetch Night will forever stand as a testament to the enduring power of hockey legends to captivate our hearts and inspire generations of fans.
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