The Arizona Coyotes will retire Shane Doan's number (19) this season during a game against the Winnipeg Jets.
Doan will become the first Coyotes player to have his number retired (though some Jets players from when the team was in Winnipeg have their numbers retired, although it is my opinion that the Coyotes should give the entire pre-Phoenix history of their franchise back to the actual Winnipeg Jets).
Doan scored 402 goals and 972 points in 1540 career NHL games.(hockeydb.com) All of them with the same team. Remarkably his first season, 1995-96, was in Winnipeg. Until he retired last year, he had been a member of the team he played for longer then that team had been in existence.
Doan played for the Coyotes so long that he was there when they left Winnipeg and still there when enough time had gone by for the Jets to get another team.
Doan's career high was 31 goals, and he only scored 30 twice, but he is appreciated much more than stats, winning or his achievements can really relate.
He wanted to stay in the place where no one wanted to play, or to even have a team. That earned him a special place in the hearts of a hockey fanbase that is unique and passionate, if not overly large.
Doan was recognized as a leader in the community and the dressing room. His charity work is well noted, his tireless efforts as a Coyotes player and ambassador, as well as his accessibility with fans are all reason why he is beloved in Arizona like few athletes are anywhere.
His belovedness transcends his talent, and his stature in the game. He is an icon for his character, dedication and the example he set and continues to set. It's actually really beautiful when you think about it - most players are beloved for the talents they had bestowed upon them, not for the things they did but didn't have to do.
Shane Doan is a legend and his honour is well deserved.
Washington Capitals Blogger • 
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