On a night that brought Teemu Selanne’s first NHL team the Winnipeg Jets into Anaheim to battle the first place Ducks, the Anaheim Ducks honored one of the greatest players in the history of the National Hockey League. Teemu Selanne played 15 seasons for the Anaheim Ducks, and tonight his number 8 was the first ever Ducks player to be raised to the rafters of the Honda Center. Selanne was the Ducks franchise scoring leader, and was clearly one of the fans favorite of all-time.
Selanne retired after last season, and ended his career as the number 11 all time leading goal-scorer in NHL history. He will always be remembered for his unbelievable rookie season in Winnipeg, in which he scored 76 goals and finished the Calder Trophy winning season with 132 points. In the 1451 NHL games he played Selanne posted an amazing 1457 points. That is more than one point per game. A stat that few players will ever achieve.
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It was a very special night for Selanne. “I feel very lucky in so many different ways,” said the emotional Selanne. “You guys have made this a happy place for us. It’s overwhelming. You guys have treated me so well. Thanks for making this life so special.” Selanne described his gratitude towards the Ducks organization and fans.
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Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.