Press Release: October 1, 2009 - "Joe Sakic Day"
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OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
WWW.COLORADO.GOV/GOVERNOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
CONTACT:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
Craig Bannister, 303.854.4536, craig.bannister@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER PROCLAIMS OCTOBER 1, 2009, "JOE SAKIC DAY"
Gov. Bill Ritter today proclaimed October 1, 2009, "Joe Sakic Day" throughout the State of Colorado. The Governor joined with Mayor Hickenlooper to honor the longtime Avalanche captain and superstar, proclaiming the day of the Avalanche's opening game for the 2009-2010 season as "Joe Sakic Day." During a ceremony before the game, the Colorado Avalanche will retire Sakic's number 19 jersey, as he becomes only the third Avalanche player to have his jersey hang from the rafters at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche captain since 1992, Joe cemented himself as a fan favorite after leading the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup titles, first in 1996 and again in 2001.
"Joe's magnificent career with the Nordiques and our beloved Avalanche gave Coloradans a reason to cheer year after year," said Gov. Ritter. "His inspirational leadership and clutch performances made him a hero of the game to millions around the state, nation, and world. He was a leader on and off the ice, and a true role model, not just in the sports world, but for people throughout Colorado."
Below is the text of the proclamation:
JOE SAKIC DAY
October 1, 2009
WHEREAS, Joe Sakic served as the face, heart, and soul of the Colorado Avalanche for more than two decades, achieving a cult-like following and sharing monumental wins with players and fans alike; and
WHEREAS, during Joe's tenure with the Avalanche, the franchise was one of the most consistent, and consummately professional organizations in the sports world, and as the captain of this organization, he guided the franchise to eight division championships, twelve playoff appearances, and two Stanley Cup championships; and
WHEREAS, the individual achievements of Joe have already been passed into Avalanche lore -- a recipient of the Conn Smythe, Hart, Lady Byng, and Lester B. Pearson trophies, his 625 regular season goals and 1641 regular season points, his selection to 13 NHL All-Star games, and his ultimate status as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of hockey; and
WHEREAS, each summer Joe hosts his own charity golf tournament that benefits the Food Bank of the Rookies, which is estimated to have provided 7 million meals to underprivileged children and families, and in 2007 he received the NHL Foundation Player Award for his commitment and perseverance to enriching the lives of Coloradans; and
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2009, the Colorado Avalanche will open its 2009/10 season with a home game against the San Jose Sharks, and before the game will honor Joe by retiring his number 19 jersey and hoisting it to the rafters of the Pepsi Center to join Ray Borque's number 77 and Patrick Roy's number 33; and
WHEREAS, the State of Colorado recognizes Joe Sakic as one of the elite players in hockey history, a leader and hero among the citizens of Colorado, an inspiration to his fellow players and fans alike, beloved by all whom he represented, and respected by all whom he opposed;
Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim October 1, 2009,
JOE SAKIC DAY
in the State of Colorado.
GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this twenty-fifth day of September, 2009
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor