Sports

Vancouver Canucks Retire Fan-Favorite Trevor Linden's No. 16

by TFleming | December 17, 2008 at 10:09 am

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In GM Place tonight the Vancouver Canucks will retire No. 16 to the rafters as they say goodbye to one of the greatest players to play the game.

Trevor Linden, who announced his retirement on June 11th is ranked 2nd in team history with goals (318) and points (713), and first in assists (415) and games played (1,140).

Here are some of Linden's accomplishments over his 19 year career in the NHL:

- 1988: first Canuck Rookie to score 30 goals in a season

- 1991: Named Canucks Captain at the age of 21 becoming youngest captain in NHL history

- 1994: Captained his team to the Stanley Cup Finals against the NY Rangers

- 1996: Played in World Cup of Hockey

- 1997: Recipient of King Clancy Memorial Cup

- 1998: Became President of the Players Association and conducted crucial negotiations with Gary Bettman that led to the end of the 2004-2005 lock-out.

- 1998: Member of Canadian Olympic team

- 2008: Recipient of the NHL Foundation Player Award

“His commitment to his team and to community was of equal meaning and equal importance and he was intelligent enough to recognize that early on in his career,” said Canucks associate coach Rick Bowness, who also guided Linden during his time with the Islanders. “He was committed to both. Trevor was one of those rare individuals you enjoyed being around every day because of that.

“To me, Trevor epitomizes whatever a true pro is all about. The way he approached playing the game with his work habits on and off the ice—he’s certainly second to none.”

On top of his on-ice performance Linden was also a major contributor to his community and fans.

He worked with BC Childrens hospital, Camp Goodtimes, BC Cancer Society, Kids Help phone and several other charities that helped raise millions of dollars over the years. The retiring of his number takes place tonight at 6pm Pacific Time and will be a momentous event for the Vancouver Canucks and their fans as No. 16 is raised officially symbolizing the retirement of "Captain Canuck".