Ducks Retire Teemu Selanne’s Number, First Retirement in Team History

Teemu Selanne was determined not to cry when his jersey was retired by the Anaheim Ducks, and he barely succeeded somehow during an emotional tribute Sunday to his life and career.

Turns out there’s nothing the Finnish Flash can’t do in a hockey rink.

“Actually the toughest part of keeping the emotions was when I was walking down the stairs,” Selanne said, referring to his entrance through a cordon of high-fiving fans. “The whole thing just hit so hard — plus I have to concentrate so I don’t fall down those. What a night. It’s very special.”

The Ducks hung Selanne’s No. 8 in the rafters to honor the beloved forward who became their franchise scoring leader during his 21-season NHL career. Eight months after Selanne ended a record-setting career spent mostly in Orange County, the Ducks celebrated the franchise’s most popular player and the 11th-leading goal-scorer in NHL history.

“I feel very lucky in so many different ways,” Selanne told the sellout crowd. “You guys have made this a happy place for us. It’s overwhelming. You guys have treated me so well. Thanks for making this life so special.”