Flyers to honor Kimmo Timonen on Wednesday
The Philadelphia Flyers are set to pay tribute to one of the greatest to ever wear the orange-and-white jersey.
Kimmo Timonen will be honored ahead of Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, the team he hoisted the Stanley Cup with last season.
Timonen was drafted 250th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 1993, but started his NHL career playing 573 games for the Nashville Predators. He joined the Flyers in June 2007 and helped the club reach the 2008 Eastern Conference final.
"Here in Philly, I think my role was so good, and playing for the Flyers in front of these fans, it was something I'll remember for the rest of my life," Timonen said. "I think the Flyers are my No. 1 team."
It will undoubtedly be an emotional ceremony, as Timonen acted as a role model for many current Flyers during his seven seasons with the club.
"He was probably the best offensive defenseman and defensive defensemen at the same time," Wayne Simmonds said. "We learned a lot from Kimmo when he was playing with us."
Timonen recorded 117 goals and 454 assists in 1,108 career NHL games.