Vipers To Retire Howe's Number?
Posted on 6/20/2016
by Pete McIntyre
The Chilliwack Chiefs of the BC Hockey League have announced they will retire number nine as a tribute to Gordie Howe.
Team president Glen Ringdal says Howe symbolized class, and they are proud to permanently recognize and honour his life by retiring the number 9 from their team.
Returning forward Jesse Lansdell, who wore number nine last season has no problem moving to a different number.
“It was an honor being able to wear his number. It’s great to see Mr. Howe get the respect he deserves.”
Number nine is the first to be retired by the Chiefs, and Head Coach Jason Tatarnic says the decision was an easy one to make.
“Gordie Howe will always be remembered as Mr. Hockey and we want our fans and players to remember and honour the greatest ambassador of our game on and off the ice. Our goal as an organization is to develop good people...and we feel there is no better example of this than Gordie Howe. We are honoured and privileged to retire number 9.”
Vernon Vipers owner Duncan Wray tells Kiss FM, they don't plan to retire the number 9 at this point, but admits he and the team haven't discussed the idea yet.
The Vipers have two retired jersey numbers: Number 20 for Rob Short and number 18 for Chris Crowell.
I sure hope the Vipers don't retire #9 Gordie Howe has no ties-nothing to do with the Vipers to even consider doing this. If you retire Howe's #9 then who's next? Gretzky's #99, Orr's #4, Lemieux's #66? The list could go on forever
ReplyDelete