Vic Hadfield
(Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)

Frank Curto

New York Rangers legend Vic Hadfield will finally see his number 11 raised to the MSG rafters in a ceremony to be held on Dec. 2.

The New York Rangers announced on Monday that the number 11 worn by Vic Hadfield will be raised to the Madison Square Garden rafters during a pregame ceremony on Dec. 2 when the team hosts the Winnipeg Jets.

This is a welcomed, yet long overdue honor to the legendary New York Ranger. He will be the 10th Ranger to have his number retired and will now join Rod Gilbert (7), Ed Giacomin (1), Mike Richter (35), Mark Messier (11), Brian Leetch (2), Adam Graves (9), Andy Bathgate (9), Harry Howell (3) and Jean Ratelle (19) in the rafters of the world’s most famous arena.

Hadfield recorded 572 points, 262 goals and 310 assists in 841 games with the Rangers in 13 seasons (1961-74).

Hadfield was the first New York Ranger to score 50 goals in a season during the 1971-73 season, a member of the “Goal-A-Game“ line along with Rod Gilbert and Jean Ratelle, and was named the 14th captain of the Blueshirts on June 9, 1971.

Hadfield is one of only three players ever to score 50 goals for the Rangers. The other two were Jaromir Jagr who had 54 in 2005-2006 and Adam Graves with 52 goals in the 1993-1994 season.

“As a player, Vic Hadfield embodied the heart, soul, and determination of a New York Ranger,” Rangers president Glen Sather said per the Rangers official Twitter page, @NYRangers. “His willingness to contribute in any way necessary to help the Rangers win earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike.”

The Rangers had announced that Vic Hadfield would have his number retired this season during the jersey retirement ceremony for Jean Ratelle on Feb. 25, 2018. The announcement that night was made by Mr. Ranger himself, Rod Gilbert and now will complete the rafter retirements for all three members of the G.A.G. line.

Follow Frank Curto on TWITTER

 NEXT:  

A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at Nyrfc12@gmail.com