"You Are Actually Number One In My Book, Number Two."

What more can we say, except that this should have happened sooner?

Brian Leetch - New York Ranger jersey #2 and blueline commander - remains one of the greatest and most memorable of our Blueshirts - some consider him to be one of the best defenseman in the NHL. Around 3:30pm today, it is likely that Mr. Leetch will have been selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

It will be a proud moment for all in hockey. (tip the glass)

tdr

UPDATE: As expected it was announced four hours after this posting, Brian Leetch and (strangely) NJ Devils Coach Lou Lamoreillo will be inducted on Nov. 9 in Toronto along with fellow former Team USA teammate Brett Hull, ex-Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman, who now heads up Team Canada.

The Man!

One of the greatest defenseman in the NHL will be honored this evening at The Garden as #2 will join the ranks of The New York Rangers Elite. For histories, events, stories and pix go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and....here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Fantastic to see that those who play the game with integrity are recognized by their peers and their fans. Leetchie is one of the best. Thank you, Brian.

May our current Blueshirts honor this man by kicking The Thrashers ass post ceremony.

tdr

Welcome Back, Brian!

The fans finally demanded his return. Slats pretended to be happy. And best of all, the New York Rangers management buys every single ticket on Stubhub and Ticketmaster Auction available before announcing the date. Schucks!

Brian Leetch's jersey No.2 will be retired on January 24, 2008, now to be forever hanging below the historical rafters of Madison Square Garden prior to the Rangers/Atlanta game. He 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 in the history of the franchise.

Brian Leetch holds the franchise record with 741 career assists and ranks second in career points (981) and games played (1,129). Leetch also holds the Rangers record for goals by a defenseman, with 240.

"I appreciate that the New York Rangers have extended the honor of raising my jersey to the Madison Square Garden rafters alongside team icons Rod, Eddie, Mike, and Mark," Leetch said. "New York City, the Garden and Rangers fans hold a special place in my heart and have supplied me with a lifetime of extraordinary memories. This night will be a very special one for me and my family and I look forward to returning to Madison Square Garden and being able to call it home."

And of course, look for that eight hundred dollar ticket in the 300 level! We're happy for you Leetchie. We still don't understand why you were shipped away in the first place. Welcome back. We, the fans, love and honor you.

tdr