Patrick Marleau’s number 12 was lifted to the top of the SAP Center on Saturday, immortalizing a long and successful career.
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The Saskatchewan native, who holds the record for most games at the Bettman Circuit with 1,779, left an indelible mark on the San Jose Sharks organization.
“It’s an incredible honor,” the 32-year-old said after the ceremony, according to NHL.com. It was surreal. Everything led to this moment.”
Several key figures in Marleau’s career have testified to the influence of the man, who also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins. His ex-teammates Joe Thornton and Kelly Hrudey gave a moving speech, as did his ex-head coach Todd McLellan.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan also declared February 25 “Patrick Marleau Day.”
“I’m so lucky to have been a part of the development of hockey on the Bay [de San Francisco]. I don’t know if I have a favorite moment because I’ve lived my dream every day of my career and had the chance to spend most of it in San Jose,” Marleau added.
At the end of the ceremony, the main prospect was joined by other legends of the sport that changed the history of this California region. Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants), Chris Mullins (Golden State Warriors) and Rollie Fingers (Oakland Athletics) posed alongside Marleau.