Tonight the New York Rangers will retire the number of Hall of Fame center Jean Ratelle. His number 19 will hang in the rafters of Madison Square Garden alongside Ed Giacomin, Mike Richter, Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Harry Howell, Andy Bathgate, and Ratelle’s lifelong friend Rod Gilbert.
Gilbert spoke to Blueshirt Banter about Ratelle’s number joining his in the rafters at the Rangers 24th annual Skate with the Greats.
“This is pretty emotional for me because Jean Ratelle has played a major role in my life,” Gilbert explained. “I grew up with him. We met when we were 10-years-old in Montreal.