"I will forever be a Senator."
Bestowing an honor not previously awarded in the modern era of the franchise, the Ottawa Senators retired the number of the greatest player in their history, raising Daniel Alfredsson's No. 11 to the rafters Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre.
The @Senators retired former captain Daniel Alfredsson’s No. 11 in a pre-game ceremony at Canadian Tire Centre. #Celebrate11 pic.twitter.com/VmehiTl8Cz
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 30, 2016
Alfredsson spent 17 of his 18 seasons with Ottawa, serving the role of captain for 13 years. Over that span, he scored 426 goals, 682 assists, and 1,108 points - all franchise records.
He was responsible for many of the greatest moments in franchise history. At the top of that list, he scored the overtime winner to send the Senators to the Stanley Cup Final in 2007.
The ceremony came just prior to puck drop versus the Detroit Red Wings, who Alfredsson spent his final season with chasing the Stanley Cup that eluded him in his career.
Initially, Alfredsson's decision to join the Red Wings strained ties with the Senators, leading some to question whether this day would come. However, soon after Alfredsson announced his retirement, the relationship was mended, and he returned to the franchise in an executive role.
