While honouring the greatest player in franchise history, the Arizona Coyotes came up big in a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.
The Arizona Coyotes officially retired Shane Doan‘s #19 prior to last night’s home tilt against the Jets and it was a night that will live long in the memory of everyone connected with the team.
Seeing Doan’s number raised to the rafters was undoubtedly going to be the most important event taking place last night, no matter the result.
Doan has touched the hearts of many fans and colleagues alike throughout his impressive 21-year career in the NHL.
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After being selected seventh overall by the original Winnipeg Jets in 1996, the Halkirk, Alberta native followed the team to the desert and never looked back.
The now-42-year-old racked up 402 goals and 972 total points during a career that saw him play 1540 regular season games.
The longest-serving NHL captain at the time he retired, Doan will forever be remembered as the first true superstar for the franchise.
In fitting fashion, the ceremony took place when the Arizona Coyotes faced off against the newest iteration of the Jets – the two places Doan played during his long NHL career.
And it was the Coyotes, buoyed on by the emotional and poignant ceremony, that secured two points in an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Jets.
Goals from Lawson Crouse, Brad Richardson, Josh Archibald and the franchise’s best hope of being the next Doan, Clayton Keller, helped the Coyotes improve their season record to 29-28-5, keeping them within reach of the playoffs.
The Arizona Coyotes still have a game advantage over the Minnesota Wild, but with them and the Colorado Avalanche both on winning streaks – it will need a truly strong showing from Rick Tocchet‘s team to make the playoffs.
But for the moment, people should savour the memory of seeing Doan honoured in front of a packed out Gila River Arena and enjoy the strong victory over the Jets.
What do you think Coyotes fans? What are your favourite memories of Shane Doan? Were you pleased with the ceremony honouring him and retiring his number? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!