Brian Leetch's biggest assist won't be remembered as one of the 781 he piled up in 18 years on the ice.
Instead, it will forever be memorialized as the one he gave to Adam Graves tonight.
Standing at the podium in the center of Madison Square Garden, Leetch announced that Graves, his teammate for 10 seasons in New York, will join him in the Garden rafters with a jersey retirement for his No. 9.
I can't think of a more fitting person to make the announcement with Leetch, who was never comfortable receiving all the accolades. Graves' sincere reaction of shock and appreciation was stirring, and he held Leetch in a long embrace as the Garden crowd roared.
Many hardcore fans have long debated Graves' credentials for a possible retirement ceremony, and tonight, those who have campaigned passionately for his inclusion in the highest circle of Rangers honor were rewarded.
Graves' on-ice credentials were certainly formidable (280 goals, third in Rangers history), but my guess is that it is Graves' renowned willingness to give of himself away from the rink that earned him this honor. I'm sure much will be written about that tonight and in the following days, and a blog is not the place to enumerate his many charitable ventures. But in my limited exposure to Adam, I can assure nothing about his generosity, warmth or kindness is exaggerated.
He defines "first-class," and his jersey retirement ceremony will be a well-deserved honor.
Comments (4)
Congrats to Leetch and for Adam Graves being selected for next season, Well DESERVED. But what about Howell, Hadfield, Bathgate, Park and Greshner who all deserve the same recognition that they contributed to the Rangers. Can somebody explain why these Great Rangers jerseys are not hanging in Rangers rafters with highest regards from the organization I think the fans would love to see these players also be presented with Ranger lore. Lets show some respect and appreciation for for these guys done for this team over the years.
I'm not even a rangers fan, but its simple.....they never brought cups to NY.
The Last assist that most ranger fans will remember Leetch for is the one he gave to Gravy tonight. Most fans will recall Leetch as a solid defenseman with a keen eye for creating scoring opportunities and his 781 on-ice assists. It's a great headline, but Leetch was merely doing a favor for the organization by announcing the news about Gravy. Adam's night will come - tonight was about Brian - something that shouldn't be deflected.. After all - of all the four 94 Rangers who’s numbers are to be retired - Leetch wore Blue the longest!
I LIKE THE "GREATEST ASSIST' ANGLE....GOOD POINT ! BRIAN NEVER DOGGED IT A DAY IN HIS RANGER LIFE. HE WAS THE CONSUMATE GREAT PROFESSIONAL AND HE WAS OURS.