Adieu, Lemieux!

[arkhangel83]

One of the reasons I wear 66 on my sweater is because of Mario Lemieux. Today, he officially retired from the NHL due to recurring health problems. To me, he is so much more than just a great hockey player, though. He personifies toughness, finesse, skill and grace. He played through serious injuries to his back and neck, cancer, and the constant physical onslaught brought to him on a nightly basis by his opponents around the league. I was fortunate enough to actually see Mario play in person when the Penguins visited Boston a few years ago. He scored and had an assist that night. Above all that, however, I truly admire Mario Lemieux for being a classy player, exemplifying gentlemanly conduct, perseverance and dedication not only to his millions of fans, the Pittsburgh Penguins, or his former teammates, but to his family as well. I know I will always remember 66.

Mario Lemieux's career stats (regular season):

Games Played: 915
Goals: 690
Assists: 1,033
Points: 1,723
+/-: 115
PIM: 834