NHL fans become sentimental when a legend of the game finally hangs up their skates. Tears well up in everyone’s eyes every time the iconic jersey and everything that it represents has decided to take a seat. The recent jersey retirement ceremony for former San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau sent the whole arena to its collective knees in tears. The crowd was in tears the whole time as his No. 12 jersey became the first in the team’s history to be retired on Saturday night.

The San Jose Sharks have honored one of their all-time great players by retiring his jersey from the team and posting a tribute to the occasion on their official Facebook page. When the rafters of the SAP Center, also known as the Shark Tank, were initially adorned with jerseys, it was only fitting that the one belonging to Marleau be the first. Fans also flocked to the post’s comments to pay their respects to the team’s former forward.

A ceremony to remember

Marleau had a great career. He broke several team records and set a new NHL record by playing in 1,779 games, which was more than ice hockey legend Gordie Howe (who had played in 1,767 games). The NHL superstar played 1,779 games throughout the course of his career, scoring 566 goals and 631 assists for a grand total of 1,197 points. All of them were in the account for the Sharks as Marleau has been no short of a commitment to his club.

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The occasion began with a ‘teal carpet’ ceremony when hordes of applauding fans, many of whom were wearing Marleau shirts, greeted him. Before Marleau and his family arrived, the arena was greeted by a lot of former Sharks. As Marleau and his family—Christina and their four boys—arrived, almost every Sharks fan in the room began to cry. All of the fans in the Shark Tank shed tears as their legend’s jersey officially retired. After the ceremony’s video was released on the San Jose Sharks’ official Facebook page, fans flocked to the comments area to pay their respects.

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Sharks fans send tribute to their beloved NHL icon

In the comments area, fans of the San Jose Sharks gathered to express their appreciation for Patrick Marleau, whose number 12 jersey had just retired. Here are some comments.

Among a lot of heartfelt comments, this fan left a comment expressing their love for the club and thanking Marleau, “Love the Sharks, and forever #12 Thanks Patty….”

This fan explains the impact of the NHL star on their life, “He’s the essence of a class act! He was the reason I fell in love with hockey! Just not the same now.“

Another fan sent their love for the legend read, “So special! So emotional! Thank you, Patrick Marleau! Our favorite Shark!!! 12 Forever! Thank you!!!!We love our SJ Sharks”

“Marleau was the best. My favorite hockey player and will be missed. Sharks will never be the same without him. Live a great rest of your life Marleau.”

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What do you think of this terrific tribute that was given to Patrick Marleau? Let us know in the comment section.