Eberle becomes just the ninth player in Pats history to have the honour of seeing his number in the rafters and when you look at the numbers, it's hard to argue what the now Edmonton Oiler meant to the franchise. He sits thirteenth on the team's all time scoring list having lead the Pats in scoring three years during his WHL career. In his final year of junior, Eberle was named the WHL and CHL Player of the Year in a season where he totaled 56 goals and 50 assists.Despite being named the Pats' MVP twice in his tenure, Eberle's junior years will likely be remembered more for his contributions while wearing a Team Canada jersey. Only Eric Lindros holds more career points at the World Junior Championships than Eberle (and Brayden Schenn, both have 26 points) and his last second goal at the 2009 World Juniors in Ottawa will be on highlight reels for a very long time.
What Eberle has accomplished within the glass at such a young age (22) is impressive to say the least. However, it was what he does away from the rink that caught the eye of Pats President, Brent Parker. "For me it was the class with which he conducted himself off the ice and in our community that separates him from others and truly makes him one of the best Pats of all time," Parker commented in tonight's release.
It's fitting, then, that the announcement came at an event where Eberle is taking time to give back to the community through Thursday's golf tournament in support of the Regina Hospitals Foundation.
For more on Jordan Eberle's jersey retirement, make sure you head over to ReginaPats.com.
-D
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