One of the most formidable lines in Rangers history was reunited Sunday, and next year, they’ll be together again for good.
On the day the Rangers retired Jean Ratelle’s No. 19, Ratelle’s old linemate, Rod Gilbert, made an emotional announcement: the GAG line of old would meet again in the Madison Square Garden rafters, as the team will retire Vic Hadfield’s sweater next year. (Hadfield’s No. 11 is already technically retired, since it belonged to Mark Messier). Gilbert’s No. 7 was retired in 1979.
Hadfield, who, along with Gilbert, flanked Ratelle during his pregame media availability, was visibly shaken during the announcement, and began to cry from his seat in center ice.