Within the span of just a few minutes Tuesday, the Angels gave their fans the promise of a different future and the Ducks detailed how they would honor a consecrated figure from their past.
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While the biggest news in Orange County was Arte Moreno’s sale of the Halos to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment – they of titles with the NFL’s Rams, NBA’s Denver Nuggets and NHL’s Colorado Avalanche – the Ducks made a splash of their own with the announcement that Ryan Getzlaf’s No. 15 was headed to the rafters.
The former center’s number will be retired in a ceremony Jan. 30 ahead of the Ducks’ game with the Nashville Predators, just two days after they honor Getzlaf and other members of the roster that hoisted the franchise’s only Stanley Cup 20 years ago.
Getzlaf, who retired in 2022, remained the organization’s all-time leader in points, assists, games played and more. In the same season the Ducks will retire his number, the Kings will retire center Anže Kopitar’s as well as give him a statue in Star Plaza and the Boston Bruins will unfurl a banner with pivot Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37.
“Ryan Getzlaf’s impact on the Ducks will be felt for generations to come,” Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said in a statement. “While no player in club history played more games or scored more points, it’s his leadership, championship DNA and community contributions we will remember most. He’s a legacy player who rightfully will have his jersey hung alongside Teemu Selänne, Paul Kariya and Scott Niedermayer at Honda Center.”
Getzlaf will become the fourth Duck to have his number removed from circulation, joining the aforementioned trio. Selänne and Niedermayer were part of the 2007 championship team, which featured Getzlaf and his “twin” Corey Perry in their first full NHL campaigns. The two were drafted in 2003’s first round, just like Philadelphia Flyers turned two-time champion Kings Jeff Carter and Mike Richards were.
Though Getzlaf will soon enter his fifth season of retirement, a period that’s seen him work in player development with the Ducks and more recently take on a role with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, Perry is still active at age 41, currently plying his trade for the crosstown rival Kings.
Getzlaf, who led the Ducks in postseason scoring during their ascent to the summit in ’07, was also the team’s longest-serving captain. He led them to two conference final berths, in 2015 and 2017. In addition to his exploits on Katella Avenue, Getzlaf was an integral part of Team Canada, winning gold at two World Junior Championship levels, at the World Cup of Hockey and twice at the Olympics.
“My family and I are so grateful to the Samuelis and the Ducks organization for this incredible honor,” Getzlaf said in a statement. “None of this would be possible without all the amazing teammates, coaches and support staff I had in my career. I thank them all and can’t wait to celebrate in front of our great fans in January.”
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