Ottawa to retire Chris Neil's number

[SebC]

I fact checked this when I saw it on a friend's Facebook because it seemed like a joke...

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...y-in-february/

Neil had 112 goals, 138 assists and 2,522 penalty minutes in 1,026 career games over 15 seasons with Ottawa.

Apparently you don't have to be a top player to have your jersey retired, just play a lot of games for Ottawa.

[Gemnoble]

Didn't he also get an own goal?

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

I don't mind this, a bit of a strange choice but Chris Neal is a player who was as a heart and soul player who has been active in the community for the entire time. Sort of the opposite of Fleury in that he was never a great player but he is someone who has been a positive force in the community for over 20 years and contributed to the team identity on and off the ice.

I sort of like the forever a flame thing for players like this.

[Scroopy Noopers]

I’m anti retiring jerseys but pro honouring franchise guys like this.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Ottawa desperate for a ceremony???

[Robbob]

Never thought Tim Hunter would come to mind when talking about jersey retirments.

[Vinny01]

Must have been by far the best guy in the community for that team otherwise what a low bar to get your number raised in Ottawa. Just play there a long time and get some pims and no one will wear your number ever again

[KootenayFlamesFan]

You'd think there could be some other to honor him rather than retiring his jersey. Sure, good team guy and good in the community. As a player? Woof.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Must have been by far the best guy in the community for that team otherwise what a low bar to get your number raised in Ottawa. Just play there a long time and get some pims and no one will wear your number ever again

They did the same thing with Phillips as well, a good #3/4 defensive defender who played for a long time. Plus it isn’t as bad as having 100 year old banners hanging from the rafters from another team that shared the same name.

[Erick Estrada]

Not sure I agree with retiring a jersey number for a player like this as it's not like they won a cup and he wasn't even a captain (alternate doesn't count IMO). Senators can do what they want though and if the fans like it then no harm.

[monkeyman]

It's about time.

Just kidding. I was like who?

[Greybeard]

Hamilton in Edmonton? Always seemed odd to me.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

Ottawa desperate for a ceremony???

They can bring out that Spartan guy again for the ceremony, its been a minute...14 years...since he was around, he might be a hot mess these days.



Good times...good times.

[FireGilbert]

The point totals weren't there but Neil played over 1,000 games for Ottawa. Only Phillips and Alfredsson have more for the Sens.

The only Flame with over 1,000 games is Iginla although Backlund has a good chance to get there. If Backlund can hit that milestone while having over 500 points I'll be pushing for 11 to be retired too.

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by FireGilbert

The point totals weren't there but Neil played over 1,000 games for Ottawa. Only Phillips and Alfredsson have more for the Sens.

The only Flame with over 1,000 games is Iginla although Backlund has a good chance to get there. If Backlund can hit that milestone while having over 500 points I'll be pushing for 11 to be retired too.

But Chris Neil had 250 points. Like 1,000 games is an incredible feat that only 357 players in the history of the league have done. But retirement?