The Calgary Flames honored Joe Nieuwendyk prior to Friday's game against the New York Islanders, 25 years after No. 25 helped the team win its only Stanley Cup.
Nieuwendyk spent eight seasons in Calgary during his Hall of Fame career, appearing in 577 games and registering 314 goals (including 51 in each of his first two seasons in the NHL) and 302 assists.
He also scored 10 goals and added four assists in 22 playoff games in 1989 en route to the Flames' only championship
Friday's festivities were kicked off by the current crop of Flames.
The boys are wearing Nieuwendyk jerseys for warm-ups! #Forever25 pic.twitter.com/RVGoi45WEs
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 8, 2014
Nieuwendyk was then greeted by the loudest of ovations by the Calgary fans before addressing them with a speech.
"To the fans ... We all shared that magical season in 1989." - Nieuwendyk #Forever25 pic.twitter.com/KzkfhRsYWS
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 8, 2014
He added "I'm proud to be Forever A Flame and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Nieuwendyk was officially welcomed into the "Forever a Flame" group in the pregame ceremony; a banner with his photo and number was raised to the rafters alongside fellow honoree Al MacInnis, and the retired numbers of Lanny McDonald (No. 9) and Mike Vernon (No. 30).
The banner is raised! #Forever25 pic.twitter.com/qVviykk50l
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 8, 2014
Nieuwendyk's full speech can be viewed here.
