Forever 25
Last night was one that will go down in Senators lore as we raised Chris Neil's number 25 banner into the Canadian Tire Centre rafters to hang forever! Neil was the heart and soul of the Senators organization for 17 seasons earning a reputation for his physical style of play on the ice but more importantly his fierce loyalty to his teammates on and off the ice and his efforts in the community. That is what set him apart and such a big part of the reason he will be the last to ever don 25 for the Ottawa Senators.
The ceremony kicked off with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe giving an impassioned speech about the importance of the Senators and the role they play in the city of Ottawa. Comparing the turnaround and resilience of the organization to the resilience Ottawa has shown over the last few years. He wrapped up by proclaiming that February 17th, 2023 as Chris Neil Day for the City of Ottawa.
Following Mayor Sutcliffe, TSN1200's Dean Brown and Gord Wilson and Unique FM's Nicolas St-Pierre took over to emcee the ceremony. They shared stories about Neil's path to the NHL and those that came throughout his 1026 games, almost all of which they called. As they shared stories, Neil was given his commemorative jersey and made his way to the ice and a roar from the Canadian Tire Centre crowd.
Next up was long time teammate, and forever number four in the rafters, Chris Phillips to share some kind words and a few never before heard stories of Neil:
"After literally scrapping his way through the minors for a few years, Neiler joined us in 2001," said Phillips. "He came in with his frosted tips and with his tenacity, energy and work ethic he quickly became a favourite among many fans."
"There's no doubt that pound for pound Neiler was one of the toughest to play the game. Having that…you know what…kind of grin on his face you could see he was up for any challenge."
"Beware the practical jokes! He kept everyone on their toes from moving your car, to filling it with popcorn; cutting your pants, or sewing them shut; or stealing you hotel key to destroy your room or hide in the closet to scare you. The problem was if you ever got him back, he would get you back ten times worse."
Before Chris came to the podium to give a speech of his own, he was presented with a painting commissioned by Tony Harris by Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk.
© Tony Harris
Then came the man himself, Chris Neil, to give his speech and Canadian Tire Centre erupted as fans rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation!
He started by thanking Ottawa, the city that embraced him and followed that up with his favourite memory from his 17 years donning the red, black, white and gold. When the Senators beat Buffalo to advance to the Stanley Cup final, the team arrived back at the airport and were greeted by 15,000 fans. "It still sends shivers up my back thinking about it!"
In true Chris Neil fashion, he took the time to thank everyone he could think of who helped him in his journey and to celebrate the night. From former coaches and teammates to members of his childhood community that made the trip out for his jersey retirement. Shouting out his former coaches, especially the late Bryan Murray, Neil didn't miss a name in his thanks but took some extra time to show his appreciation for his loved ones. His three brothers Jeff, Dan and Jason, his mother and father, his kids Haley, Cole and Finn, and of course his wife Cait.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for. Daniel Alfredsson walked out on the red carpet with the banner in hand before Brady Tkachuk, Claude Giroux, Thomas Chabot and Derick Brassard were called up to assist with the banner. Neiler took a photo with that group in front of the banner before calling up his family and Chris Neil to join for a second photo. Then Gord Wilson proclaimed "There will never be another 25 for your Ottawa Senators, just like there will never be another Chris Neil. It's time to put him up!" And the banner went to the rafters.
Following the ceremony video messages from former teammates like Mike Fisher and Mark Borowiecki were played for all to see. Additionally, former teammates in attendance were interviewed during the game to share their stories of Chris Neil the hockey player, teammate and the man.
Perhaps the best part of the evening was how Neil opted to exit the ceremony. Through the penalty box, as he had done countless times across his 1026 games as an Ottawa Senator. A fitting end to a night celebrating an incredible legacy. Forever 25!
Watch the full ceremony here:
