DALLAS -- As Mike Modano took one last look at his written remarks before going on stage for his retirement news conference Friday afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton, he knew he was going to have trouble holding back tears.
Modano sat on stage by himself as Stars play-by-play announcer Ralph Strangis read off a litany of impressive numbers.
Then a video played, including footage from Modano's early years and an interview following his selection by the Minnesota North Stars as the top overall pick in the 1988 draft as a teenager -- an interview that included a lot of "you knows" that made Modano chuckle.
A true legend has left the game. Modano is possibly the best american born player to ever play the game.
