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Alfredsson 'humbled' by Senators' decision to retire number

Marc DesRosiers / USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Alfredsson's crowning moment as the Ottawa Senators' franchise benchmark player will come Dec. 29, as the club announced Tuesday his iconic No. 11 will be retired against the Detroit Red Wings.

"Alfie," who spent 17 seasons with the club, setting team records in goals (426), assists (682), and points (1,108), was moved by the Senators' decision.

"I'm extremely humbled," Alfredsson said Tuesday, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. "It sounds really good when Mr. Melnyk and (master of ceremonies) Gord (Wilson) talk about what I achieved with all the goals and points ... I played for a long time so you have to get old to do that."

Alfredsson thanked his former teammates, coaches, staff, family and friends, and everyone along the journey that got him to this point.

"That's what makes this special: I'm extremely honored and humbled," he said.

Although he's looking forward to the ceremony, Alfredsson admitted he isn't quite sure what to expect.

"I don't think I understand what it means yet to be honest."

Guaranteed to receive a riveting standing ovation from the home crowd, Alfredsson is well aware holding back his emotions won't be an easy task.

"It's going to be pretty emotional I'm sure," he said. "My retirement night was emotional. I'm not afraid to cry. If I do, I'm fine with it."

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