Philadelphia Flyers retire No 2 jersey to honour former defensive star Mark Howe-NHL News
No matter it came more than 15 years after the defenseman, Mark Howe, retired from the National Hockey League, the decision to retire the jersey was the Philadelphia Flyers’ befitting display of honour and admiration for their former star.
Flyers hosted a programme on Tuesday, March 06, 2012, to mark the retiring of the number 2 jersey that Howe wore during the decade he played the professional hockey from Flyers.
Howe is all time leading scorer for the team and has joined few players from the league and team who have their gears retired in their honour.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2011 and now his former team has decided to retire the jersey to award him another honour.
No player will be able wear the number 2 on his shirt or jersey, leaving it the distinct hallmark achievement of Howe.
The honour seems to be well deserved by the player, who remained passionate about the ‘flyers family’ throughout his stay with them.
Howe said:
"The passion for hockey and compassion for those that wore a Flyers uniform was equally displayed by Mr. Ed Snider.”
Soon after at the team’s headquarters, the player said he felt to be home and remarked:
"It was as if I was born to be a Flyer. The orange and black began to flow through my veins and instantly consumed my heart."
After nearly 17 years since he retired, but still has the same level of praise and thoughts about Flyers, which he spoken about at Tuesday’s function that was hosted to honour him.
He added:
"In Detroit I got to play with the great Nick Lidstrom, got to wear the uniform my dad proudly wore and got the opportunity to work for Mike and Marian Ilitch. Their passion for hockey and their compassion for those that wore the Red Wings uniform is second
to none."
The player also offered his compliments for the staff whom he had worked with in the past as well as those who are part of Flyers at the moment.
Further, he lauded the support of his family and teammates, which he said had mattered most in the successful run of his career.
With the retirement of his jersey, he has joined Bernie Parent (No. 1), Bobby Clarke (No. 16), Bill Barber (No. 7), Barry Ashbee (No. 4).
Howe’s achievements included taking the team to Stanley Cup Final two times, in 1985 and 1987. He was also a part of the team in the Norris Trophy finalists for three times.
His career at Philadelphia started in 1982 when he became a part of the team as a result of trade with the Hartford Whalers, and had consistently played for them before retiring from the game in 1995.
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