The Highlanders have their home opener this week against their original 8 rivals, the Severed Heads, so it is only fitting that the birth of that rivalry is honoured as the Highlanders retire their first-ever player's number.
That number, 19, belongs to none other than Steve Yzerman (pictured above). Selected 5th overall in the 1990 FunHL Entry Draft, the slick center would go on to score 109 pts in his first FunHL season. His tenacity, skill and will to win laid the foundation for a franchise that went on to win back-to-back Predator Cups in 1992 and 1993. Steve Yzerman would finish his FunHL career, fittingly, with the Highlanders when he played his final game last season. Current Highlander Captain and reigning Art Ross Trophy winner, Joe Thornton, gave his jersey with the number 19 to Steve Yzerman at center ice at the end of a moving tribute before Yzerman's number was raised to the rafters along side the Highlanders' two Predator Cup banners. Joe Thornton will henceforth wear the number 91.
2 comments:
I guess I feel a bit strange about this one. Steve Yzerman? I guess so. But he just isn't the name that pops out when I think of Highlander teams from the past.
At the Studio, we are working with Severed Heads legend Rick Tocchet to come up with an award for players not of HOF calibre who nevertheless deserve recognition for their lengthy service with one team.
Call it the 'Steen'
For the Heads, there are a couple of possible 'Steens'.
- Rick Tocchet the first ever RW for the Severed Heads (True Story: I traded for him at the deadline for each of my two cup wins just so I could say he was on both winning rosters despite being unplayable at the stage of his career - being that guy gets you a 'Steen').
- Darryl Sydor. I have been drafting him since he was an 18 yr rook in LA. I once picked him in the first round (and turned him loose for a massive +/- season), and lately he seems to be the #6 D-man of choice for me the last few seasons.
- Paul Kariya. Former longtime FP, Kariya rejoined the club again last year and will be perpetually on my radar till he retires.
Jagr and Lemieux will both have their jerseys hanging from the Studio rafters but aren't eligible for Steen consideration because of their ridiculous success.
Here are some other Steens I'm sure GMs could be considering:
Darrell: Calle Johansson. the poster child for this award.
Dan: Adam Oates.
Bob: Not sure Bob gets any Steens. He's had everyone, but Hasek stands out a little.
Any other nominees?
Doh! I almost forget the quintessential Steen for the Severed Heads - Mike Modano.
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