It was a moment to remember Monday night for Dryden’s Chris Pronger.
His number 44 jersey was raised to the rafters by the St. Louis Blues.
Speaking to fans during a 5-3 win over Nashville, Pronger reflected back on his nine seasons in the ‘Gateway to the West’.
“Think about my hometown of Dryden. I lived there 15 (years). So, this is my new adopted home being here (St. Louis) 20 years. You always motivated me to play harder. Pushed me to be my best and helped me to a standard that I relished and tried to match.”
Pronger added, “From boos to cheers. You always showed passion for the game, for my style of play, and I thank you very much for helping mould me into the man that I’ve become. A young 20 year old when I got here in the favourite trade for Shanny (Brendan Shanahan). Leaving a man at 30 with two kids, soon to be three, and a wife.”
He was a member of the Blues from 1995 to 2004.
In his third season with St. Louis and first as team captain, Pronger was again named to the All-Star team.
In 1999-2000, Pronger recorded a career-high 62 points and a +52 rating.
His efforts won him the Norris and Hart trophies at the end of the season.
Pronger was also named to the First All-Star Team.
He was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in 2005.
When you slam a beer at your jersey retirement ceremony, you truly are one of the greats. Congratulations @chrispronger. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/XQN8oqVRw3
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) January 18, 2022
Chris Pronger gets his jersey in the rafters in St. Louis
(🎥: @StLouisBlues) pic.twitter.com/iAUyYzAeFr
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 18, 2022
Wow 🤯 what a night that was! Almost time to look up at the rafters and see #44 with the Blues greats https://t.co/2a6ibluG4f
— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) January 17, 2022
