The honor will not only will belong to him, but to generations of Rangers fans, as well. Next season, Slapshots has learned, Jean Ratelle’s No. 19 will be retired in recognition of his selection as one of the NHL’s Greatest 100 and in conjunction with a yearlong 50th anniversary celebration of the current Garden.
“To have your sweater retired is the greatest honor a player can receive. You can’t ask for more than that,” the universally admired Hall of Fame center said by phone. “I’m really looking forward to being back at the Garden. My family will be with me.