Hockey Hall of Fame to display Marleau items from big night
Some of the equipment that Patrick Marleau used when he became the NHL’s alltime leader in games played last month has arrived at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
One of Marleau’s sticks and jerseys, plus the helmet that he wore when he played in his 1,768th career NHL game, will be displayed at the Hall of Fame whenever the building is reopened to the public. The province of Ontario is under a stay-at-home order until at least June 2, although there is no set date for the hall to be reopened.
When the Sharks played the Vegas Golden Knights on April 19 at T-Mobile Arena, Marleau used several sticks and wore multiple jerseys as he passed Gordie Howe to become the league’s all-time leader in games played. Marleau said after the game that Sharks equipment managers Mike Aldrich and Vinny Ferraluolo worked behind the scenes to provide the necessary sweaters and sticks, along with other paraphernalia.
As far as Marleau himself getting into the Hall of Fame, that will have to wait.
Marleau, who will turn 42 in September, ranks 23rd all-time with 566 goals and is 50th alltime with 1,197 points in 1,779 career games. He would be eligible for induction three years after he announces his retirement.
Marleau, though, said last week he would like to return for a 24th NHL season in the fall.
Before the Sharks played their final game this season on May 12, Marleau was handed the stick used by Howe in his 1,767th and final NHL game on April 6, 1980, which was given by the NHL Players’ Association at the request of the Howe family.
The stick had been on display in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and will now be replaced by a stick used by Marleau on April 19.
“I was blown away, I was speechless,” Marleau said. “The more I think about it, it’s crazy that they gifted that to me. Just very thankful and appreciative of the gift, but also the meaning behind it. Still kind of speechless. It’s very special.”