Mike Modano's #9 Retired By the Dallas Stars

Modano looks on as his number 9 jersey is raised to the rafters

Well it only took a little over two and a half years since he officially announced his retirement, but no other Dallas Star will ever don the number 9.

Number 9, forever connected to perhaps one of the best two way players in all of hockey in Mike Modano, was finally lifted to the rafters on Saturday night in an emotional ceremony at American Airlines Center. Most of the Livonia, Michigan native's career, including his 1999 Stanley Cup Victory, was spent with the Dallas Stars organization.

"From the moment I got off that plane in 93', Dallas felt like home." Said the 43 year old Modano in front of a sell-out crowd of 19,109 during his hour long ceremony. "You've allowed me to be a part of your lives and you to mine. It's been an amazing ride. It couldn't have been done without you people. We asked you to give us a chance and you stuck with us and for that, I'm grateful."

A huge curtain dropped shortly after an emotional Modano delivered his speech, only to reveal 20 members of that 1999 Stanley Cup winning team in their old school Stars jersey's with No. 9 Modano patches stitched on them. That group included some of the most prominent Dallas Stars in franchise history, including Modano's teammates and lifelong friends Jamie Langenbrunner, Darien Hatcher, Brett Hull, and Ed Belfour... need I say more?

Modano capped his illustrious career with 1,374 points, the most of any United States born player in the history of the NHL, but his importance stretched far beyond the stat sheet. The former 1988 number one overall draft pick of the Minnesota North Stars came to Dallas in 1993 when the franchise was relocated and was the absolute face of their franchise. It was Modano's responsibility to teach the game of ice-hockey and generate a fan base in a state dominated by football fans.

And did he ever.

"Mike was the perfect candidate for us coming to Dallas when we were trying to save the franchise. He was the perfect image. He was nice, he was good-looking, and he was talented," said former owner Norman Green who was responsible for moving the franchise from Minnesota to Dallas. "The first year he was there [Minnesota], we went to the Stanley Cup Final, and he was sensational. Then, when that didn't work out, we came to Dallas and he became the face of the franchise here, and it was perfect. You look at that, and how luck was that? That's why all these fans are here now."

And it was like he never left. Those very same fans cheered Modano constantly on Saturday night, giving him a near five-minute standing ovation as he stood emotionally at the podium.

It was a great night for the NHL and for USA Hockey across the board.

Congratulations Mr. Mike Modano! Legend.

Former teammates Brett Hull and Darian Hatcher look on as Modano is set to deliver his speech