Carolina Hurricanes give Eric Staal an incredible honor

By all accounts, Eric Staal helped make Carolina Hurricanes hockey what it is today. Now, he will be remembered forever with a jersey retirement.

Eric Staal, 39, was drafted second overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes and became the face of the franchise for the majority of his career. Despite stints with the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers, his most impactful years were with the Hurricanes. Now, Staal is set to receive a significant honor as the franchise retires his number 12 jersey.

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Tuesday that Staal will be honored with a jersey retirement ceremony during the 2024-2025 season. This recognition is a fitting tribute to a player who had a tremendous impact on the Hurricanes and hockey in North Carolina as a whole.

Staal's career numbers are impressive. He played 1,365 NHL games, amassing 455 goals and 608 assists for a total of 1,063 regular-season points. In just over 100 playoff appearances, he scored 25 goals and had 39 assists. These statistics underscore his critical role in the team's success and his exceptional talent on the ice.

Beyond his on-ice performance, Staal was instrumental in popularizing hockey in North Carolina. His leadership and dedication helped foster a strong hockey culture in an area where the sport had limited roots. Staal's influence extended far beyond the rink, inspiring many young athletes in the region.

This jersey retirement ceremony will make Staal one of the few players to have their numbers retired by the Hartford/Carolina franchise, cementing his legacy within the organization. It is a testament to his exceptional career and the indelible mark he left on the team and its fans.

As the Hurricanes prepare to honor Staal, fans and the hockey community will have the opportunity to celebrate a player whose career was marked by excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the game. The ceremony will undoubtedly be a memorable event, paying homage to a player who gave so much to the sport and the team he helped build.

Staal's number 12 will hang in the rafters as a lasting tribute to his contributions, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered by future generations of Hurricanes fans. This honor is well-deserved and will solidify Eric Staal's place in hockey history.

Source: Blade of Steel
Carolina Hurricanes sign Eric Staal to one day contract, plan to retire jersey