There is something to be said about the impact that just one man has on an entire organization and by extension, an entire city. Only a certain few throughout the history of this league have been able to do for one team what Martin Brodeur was able to do for the New Jersey Devils. He was able to bring this team out of the depths, to become a perennial contender during his tenure as one of the greatest goalies to ever play in the NHL.
Congrats @MartinBrodeur One of my favorite goalies to watch and an absolute honor to play against. #SaluteMB30
— Ben Bishop (@Benbishop30) February 9, 2016
No more was this greatness exemplified than last night. As Brodeur went up to attempt to make his speech, he was drowned out by the roaring and cheers of “Mar-ty, Mar-ty,” by the sold out crowd at Prudential Center. The Devils, a team that was synonymous with the name Martin Brodeur for two decades, held a celebration in Marty’s honour last night, retiring his number while Brodeur and his family looked on. One couldn’t help but get a small tingle up their spine as the number 30 was raised to the rafters, never to be worn again by a Devils player, in honour of a man who rewrote the record books during his time in New Jersey.
Martin Brodeur’s jersey retirement was obviously a massive point in the evening for the NHL, as Brodeur was honoured not just by the Devils, but by other organizations and players around the league.
Stick tap @MartinBrodeur on a great career! We’ll never forget his 4OT duel with Hasek in 94 at The Aud. #SaluteMB30 pic.twitter.com/F1LyuB4zkw
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 9, 2016
His illustrious career is dotted with so many records, trophies, and awards, that, frankly, they could fill an entirely separate article on their own. After being drafted in the first round by the Devils in 1990, Brodeur became New Jersey’s go-to guy in 1993-94 (when he won the Calder trophy), and never looked back. Aside from being the all-time NHL leader in wins, shutouts, games played, and runner up in numerous other categories, he also has three Stanley Cups, four Vezinas, and five Williams M. Jennings trophies to line his trophy cabinet. Not to mention all the success he has had on the international stage.
Stick taps, @martinbrodeur. A worthy opponent & a legend of our game. Congrats on an incredible career. #SaluteMB30 pic.twitter.com/2JO4mP0lbG
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 9, 2016
None of these feats will ever be forgotten, as his memory will now forever be preserved in the rafters of wherever the Devils play, as well as in the city of New Jersey, where a statue of him has been erected in his honour. “The Salute,” as the statue has been named, is an ode to the fans, as it depicts Marty, stick raised, thanking those who cheered him on for so many years. And it was fitting for the fans from New Jersey to get one last salute from Martin Brodeur, standing beside his bronze likeness, before he walked down the tunnel.
