Nathan MacKinnon speaks to reporter ahead of his jersey retirement ceremony in Halifax (Acadia News)
A local legend was honoured at the Scotiabank Centre last night, as Cole Harbour’s very own Nathan MacKinnon saw his number 22 Mooseheads jersey hoisted to the raters before last nights season opener against the Charlottetown Islanders.
MacKinnon spent two and a half years with the Halifax Franchise and in 2013 was named the Memorial Cup MVP after leading the team to their first and only title. He scored 87 goals during his time with the team, 24 of which came in the playoffs. He joins Jean-Sébastien Giguère (47), Alex Tanguay (18), and Jody Shelley (25) as the only Mooseheads players to have their numbers retired. Long-time broadcaster Pat Connolly also has a banner hanging from the rafters.
Growing up about 20 minutes away from the arena, MacKinnon says it was always a dream of his to play for his hometown team.
“I never would have thought that my jersey would be retired. Growing up as a Mooseheads fan, obviously, this team means a lot to me, so I’m super excited,” said MacKinnon.
The Colorado Avalanche star said being back in the arena where he got his first taste of big time hockey brought back some special memories. He says his NHL career has been great, but those two years in Halifax where the best time of his life.
“It was only two years but I think those two years stick out my life more than any I think. In the NHL years kind of blend together, but in junior everything is so new in your life and, you know, that age is just such a special time,” said MacKinnon.
MacKinnon was officially made a Moosehead in July 2011 when GM Cam Russell traded for his rights. Russell says he is extremely proud of everything MacKinnon has been able to accomplish and that he deserves every bit of it. When asked about his favourite memory from number 22’s time in Halifax, Russell fondly recalls the night when MacKinnon tied a franchise record by scoring five goals in one game.
“When he was 16 and he was left off the list to be invited to the World Junior tryouts, and we played Quebec the next night at home, and he went out and he scored five goals against Quebec five different ways. I think it was his way of saying, ‘You guys made a mistake, leaving me off the list’,” said Russell.
In Russell’s opinion, MacKinnon is the best player to ever where a Mooseheads jersey since he’s been a part of the franchise. MacKinnon wasn’t so quick to believe Russell though.
“He’s probably lying because when jerseys going up, but it’s great… Obviously I appreciate him saying that,” said MacKinnon.
As for the game itself, the Mooseheads fell to Charlottetown 3-1. They get a chance for revenge tonight though, as they play the Islanders again, this time at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.
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