EDMONTON – It was an emotional night at Rexall Place Saturday, as Edmonton Oilers veteran and fan favourite Ryan Smyth hung up his skates for the final time.
After announcing his retirement Friday, the 38-year-old Banff native played his last NHL game on home ice against the Vancouver Canucks.
“I soaked every moment of it in,” Smyth said.
Also soaking in every moment were the fans, who gave the Oiler numerous standing ovations, often chanting “Smytty, Smytty, Smytty.”
“To see the fan appreciation from the start to the end… they are the best fans in the world,” Smyth said.
Watch below: An emotional farewell to Ryan Smyth
Oilers Captain Andrew Ference gave Smyth his ‘C’ for the night, a letter Smyth had never before worn on his Oilers jersey.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Ference said Sunday. “The guy’s a legend. It’s about one of the easiest decisions you could ever have.”
While he was looking to break Glenn Anderson’s record for the most power-play goals scored as an Oiler, the goal didn’t come through for Smyth in the end. But it didn’t matter. Those in the stands Saturday night were more interested in seeing Smyth go out on a win, which he did.
“It was an awesome experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of putting on this jersey, and any jersey in the NHL,” Smyth said. “I am thoroughly honoured to stand up here today and say I enjoyed every moment.”
Photo Gallery: Ryan Smyth plays his final game in the NHL
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