The New York Rangers officially retired longtime goaltender Henrik Lundqvist‘s No. 30 jersey on Friday. He is the first member of the post-1994 Stanley Cup Rangers to receive such an honor.
“When I look back at my 15 years in here … what gives me the most satisfaction is not the wins or the personal recognition, but it’s really the commitment — the commitment I felt to the New York Rangers and the commitment they showed me for so long,” Lundqvist said during the ceremony.
“While I reflect on my time here in New York, everything I experienced, the people I met, and what the game has given me, I keep coming back to one feeling and that’s gratitude,” he added. “I feel so grateful for everything this organization has given me, supporting me and my family.”
Lundqvist, accompanied by his family, watched as his jersey was raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden. As he was attempting to give thanks to those who helped him throughout his career, including goaltending coach Benoit Allaire, Lundqvist was showered with “Henrik” chants from the Ranger faithful.
“A lot of people say they want New York. They say they want to play here; they want to perform here. Very few of them do. And very few of them can own and dominate New York like ‘The King,'” former teammate Kevin Weekes said on Friday.
Lundqvist, who was a mainstay between the pipes in New York for 15 seasons, announced his retirement in August last year. A month later, the team made the decision to raise his jersey into the rafters of Madison Square Garden ahead of Friday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
Lundqvist, winner of the Vezina Trophy in 2012, is the Rangers’ all-time leader in shutouts (64), wins (449), playoff wins (61) and combined games played (985).
(Photo: Steven Ryan / Getty Images)
