WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

'Canes Retire Ron Francis' Jersey

Jan 29, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. — Ron Francis thrilled fans as the Carolina Hurricanes' team captain. But on Saturday night he brought down a packed house, one last time. The team retired Francis' No. 10 jersey in a pre-game ceremony before their matchup against the Atlanta Thrashers. (Carolina defeated Atlanta 4-1.

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It is considered the ultimate compliment in any sport. But then, Francis brought a lot to the sport. He is second in all-time assists to only Wayne Gretzky, and third in all-time games played.

But as much as he did for hockey, the 'Canes team president Jim Rutherford Said, "No ceremony could fully pay tribute to what Ron Francis meant to the Hurricanes organization." Highlights include when he helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002.

Francis has since retired. He has no regrets -- even with a Carolina team that looks to be in cup contention.

"A lot of people think this is by far the deepest team that's ever been in Carolina," said Francis. "I honestly thought they could win the division at the start of the year, and quite honestly, I wasn't expecting to be challenging the first-pace team in the league."

He may be out of hockey, but Francis will always love it.

"This is what I've been doing since I was 2 1/2 years old, skating on the ponds in Canada," said Francis.

• Reporter: Gloria Lopez
• Photographer: Tom Normanly
• Web Editor: Dana Franks