Alfie delivers heartfelt goodbye
OTTAWA — A teary- eyed Daniel Alfredsson skated at Canadian Tire Centre for one last time Thursday, paid a heart- filled thank you to the fans and hinted strongly that he could one day be back working in the Ottawa Senators front office.
“Let’s not say goodbye,” he told the sold out crowd, which had chanted “Alfie, Alfie,” throughout the unique warmup and pre- game ceremony where Alfredsson skated wearing his old Senators uniform. The public address system pumped out Beautiful Day by U2, his favourite band, and the swan song also included a game of “keepaway,” his favourite practice pastime.
When Alfredsson returned to the ice before the game, still wearing his equipment, he was flanked by his wife, Bibi, and sons Hugo, Loui, Fenix and William Erik.
“It’s great to be back in Ottawa. Thank you for all the great times and beautiful memories,” he said, emphasizing the importance of working with the population in his charitable pursuits. “They will connect us to all of you forever.”
It wasn’t the perfect ending — that would have seen Alfredsson carry the Stanley Cup high over his head around the arena — but it was an appropriate tribute, as the greatest player in Senators history to officially retire in the place he called home for 17 years.
“It’s so overwhelming that it’s hard to comprehend, almost,” Alfredsson said later.
“It gives you goose bumps and makes me extremely nervous. I tried extremely hard just to remember what I had to say and what I wanted to say. I almost got it.”
Alfredsson says he wanted to let the fans know that Thursday represented one of the best experiences of his career, for both him and his family, and he is shocked by the attention he received.
At a news conference Thursday morning, Alfredsson and Senators owner Eugene Melnyk signed a one- day contract, allowing him to take part in the warm- up.
It was the start of a day full of emotions and memories.
Melnyk says Alfredsson’s No. 11 sweater will be retired in the future.
The Senators owner also says “the door is open” for Alfredsson to return to the front office. When Alfredsson is ready.
“The man has just retired,” said Melnyk. “Our door is always open. I’ve talked to ( general manager Bryan Murray) about this. I’ve talked to Daniel about this.
“He can certainly contribute in many, many ways.”