Leetch To Have Number Raised
Posted: Sun Sep 9, 2007 11:39 pm
In a expected move, the Rangers will honor Brian Leetch as they raise his sweater to the rafters. The ceremony, which will take place on January 24th, 2008, will celebrate arguably the Ranger's greatest defensemen ever. Leetch, the 1994 Con Smythe winner, first burst on to the NHL circuit in 1988 winning the Calder Trophy while notching 71 points, and a rookie defenseman-record 23 goals. It was not untill 1992 he was given his due, as that year he won the Norris trophy. That year he also became the first American defensemen to score 100 points. Two years later, Leetch was a key cog in winning the cup as he scored 11 goals 23 asissts 34 points and 6 PIM. This performance made him the first non-Canadian as well as the only American player to ever win the Con Smythe. The ceremony is fully deserved as we honor one of the greatest defensemen ever.