A Classy send off was the least they could do... Sakic | bcos4life's Blog

Last night was a bitter sweet moment for the Avs and there fans. Joe Sakic, the only captain this team had ever known, hung em' up last night. He did it in his own way, short sentences and a slight grin that showed how uncomfortable he was.

This is the 3rd time that I have watched the Avalanche lift a # to the sky and this was by far the best one. It started with him looking at the alltime roster of the Avs, all them playing under him. He then walked in, and greeted fans and shook hands and made his final walk to the dressing room. When he arrived, a new captain and longtime friend, Adam Foote showed him a spot in the dressing room that will never be changed. Sakic's locker had plexiglass around it with his jersey and equipment. He then walked on the ice to the chant of "Super Joe" and sat there. While the video screen showed his many accomplishments he grinned to hide that he was uncomfortable in the spotlight, while gifts were given to his family, he still sat there waiting for his speech. When he gave it, it was with humility and class, the same way he played the game. He gave credit to his coaches and teammates, who should be crediting him. At the end, Pierre Lecoix said that his jersey will hang as long as the Pepsi Center stands... Fitting... Since Joe built it.

As they lifted the jersey, Joe walked of the ice for the last time. And the fans watched him walk off, many with tears in there eyes. It is hard to say goodbye to the only constant this town has had since Elway left, but the Avs as usual did a fantastic job. When Roy retired they all wore his #, when Bourque retired they all wore his. Yes, they did wear his #. But during the game, they wore what really symbolized Sakic. They all wore a "C" on there chest. Joe had a lot of goals, many at the biggest moments. He had a lot of assists, many to the biggest players. But when I, and many other people think of "Super" Joe Sakic, they think of a Captain that put the team before himself and everyone on it. They think of him handing a 41 year old man the cup, when a captain should raise it first. They think of him, barely raising his stick after every goal, even his 600th. They think of Joe Sakic's quite nature and big heart.