“Am overwhelmed…still didn’t sink in” – Marian Hossa to have No. 81 retired by Chicago Blackhawks next season
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Marian Hossa
Forward Marian Hossa will have his No. 81 retired by the Chicago Blackhawks next season. As a result, the Slovak ice hockey player will become the eighth player to have his number retired by the Blackhawks, the team announced on Thursday During the first period of a 2-0 loss to the Seattle Kraken at United Center.
The 43-year-old Hossa will join the likes of goalies Glenn Hall (No. 1) and Tony Esposito (No. 35), defensemen Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson (each No. 3), and forwards Bobby Hull (No. 9), Denis Savard (No. 18) and Stan Mikita (No. 21).
“As a kid, you know you dream to play one day in the National Hockey League, the best League in the world,” Hossa, who won the Stanley Cup three times in the years 2010, 2013, and 2015, said, as quoted by the NHL.com. “Then your goal is to win the Stanley Cup. Your goal is not going into the rafters or going into the Hall of Fame, but I guess somebody really liked my game over those years and this success we’ve had.
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“I was lucky to play with so many great players and great coaching staff. Thanks also to them. It’s amazing news for me and my family. I’m overwhelmed. It still didn’t sink (in). It’s amazing.”
“Had discussions about working for the Blackhawks in some capacity”
The Stará Ľubovňa native had earlier signed a one-day contract with the Blackhawks before Thursday’s game. The veteran NHL star had 1,134 points (525 goals, 609 assists) in 1,309 games for the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Blackhawks, including 415 points (186 goals, 229 assists) in 534 regular-season games for Chicago against his name.
“I’d love to come to visit the city and work with the Blackhawks in certain areas, but we haven’t reached the final note, like what exactly it’s going to be. But I know it’s going to be something,” he said. “Definitely looking forward to it. I’m sure when we’re going to have more information, we’ll let you guys know.”
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Sachin Arora
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