Night For The Ages

Night I won't soon forget, December 17th, 2008.

Mui got me some fantastic tickets, section 118, row 4. It cost a Wookie life debt, but the seats were amazing. We got there at 5:30, and were one of the lucky ones to actually receive the coveted #16 pins. The ceremony started at 6PM with Shorty and Jim Robson making the initial speeches. It was awesome hearing Jim Robson's voice, the man is a legend.

Introduced first were Linden's former teammates Harold Snepsts and Garth Butcher. Next was the Steamer Stan Smyl, the possessor of the only other jersey retired by the team. After that I wet my pants: Shorty introduced Cliff Ronning, Gino Odjick, Greg Adams, Dave Babytch, Geoff Courtnall, Martin Gelinas, and the original goalie captain, Kirk McLean. Seeing them wear the black skates jersey overwhelmed me with emotions. The ovation each of them received, got louder and louder.

Even after it was clear no other players were coming out, I kept looking at the walkway, hoping he'd show up...but he didn't.

Next came the current Canuck players, all donning Trevor Linden's #16 jersey. They lined the walkway, where a few special guests from the Children's Hospital came out, wearing former Linden jerseys (*cringe* Islanders, Canadiens, Capitals). When everyone was lined up, the man of the hour finally came out, along with his hottie wife. She didn't show much emotion all night though.

Stan Smyl, Linden's close friends, and Matthias Ohlund all made speeches. Linden was also presented with a heli-ski package, and a ticket to the Masters next year.

Throughout the ceremony, there were various videos from people all congratulating Linden on his achievement: Rick Hansen, Mike Weir, Steve Nash, Eric Brewer, Pat Quinn, and Markus Naslund. Everyone had a premeditated speech for Linden, except Nazzy who looked like it was ripped from a post game interview.

I kept looking for a video by him...but he never showed.

Linden took to the podium and gave a very very humble speech. I was a little disappointed with his speech, he pretty much diverted attention away from himself, and talked about everyone else around him. But this is expected, it is Trevor Linden.

After the speech, Linden's banner rose through a screen of smoke and light, further illuminated by the thousands of camera flashes all around the arena. Seeing that banner rise to the rafters of GM Place got me a little emotional, it got everyone a little emotional, Linden watered up, even his wife showed some emotion. That banner is the most beautiful thing in GM Place, looking at it inspires me to think that I can do great things.

The Canucks, having obviously been inspired, went out and spanked the Oilers 4-2, to cap off a great night.

But it could've been so much better. They could have gotten an actual interview with Nazzy, instead of using post game footage. They could've gotten Linden a better retirement gift, they cheaped out in my opinion. And they could've invited some other people to the ceremony. Brian Burke went on to say that he never received an invite, which leads me to assume that a certain someone didn't either. Probably the only other man who would receive a louder standing ovation then Linden himself.

Sad to say that we've seen the last of Linden in a Canucks uniform, but it's satisfying to know that no one else will be allowed to wear his jersey ever again. There's no better way to cap off a career of service then by honouring the man that has given so much to the city that he loves. There will never be another Captain Canuck.