By Joseph Ochoa, WRAL multiplatform producer

On Sunday, the Carolina Hurricanes honored one of its greatest players.

18-year veteran Eric Staal had his No. 12 jersey retired by the franchise before the Canes hosted the Anaheim Ducks.

“Man that feels so good to feel that energy,” Staal said to begin his speech after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. “I want to do a couple hot laps here,” he laughed.

“I want to thank my family, former teammates, coaches and staff members who played a role in helping me live my dream, of playing in the NHL,” Staal said in July when he signed a ceremonial contract to retire with the Hurricanes. “I will forever treasure the memories and friendships made during my 18 years in the world’s best league.”

Staal said as he prepared for his No. 12 jersey to be raised into the rafters, three words stuck with him: humbled, grateful and sacrifice.

“I’m very humbled to be here, grateful for the years spent wearing a Hurricanes jersey and deeply aware of the sacrifices so many have made to make this possible,” Staal said.

Staal played 12 of his 18 seasons as a forward with the Canes between 2003 and 2016. Staal was traded to the New York Rangers during the 2015-16 season.

Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Staal was honest about the moment he was drafted by the Hurricanes.

“I couldn’t have even told you where Raleigh was on a map, but soon after moving down here I was hearing sayings like ‘y’all,’ ‘bless your heart,'” he said.

“I immediately felt the love for the community for each other, for me and especially for the Hurricanes and I knew that this is where I belonged,” Staal said.

Staal was a captain of the Canes between 2009 and 2016 and is the franchise leader in games played (909), assists (403) and points (775) since the franchise relocated from Hartford in 1997-98. He is second in team history between Carolina and Hartford in goals scored behind Ron Francis and is the team’s all-time leader in hat tricks with 13.

Staal kept his composure for most of the ceremony, but when he spoke to his parents, his normal stoic facade cracked.

“I wore No. 12 because it was my dad number, dad when this jersey gets raised up, you can know that a part of that jersey is yours, love you guys,” Staal said as he wiped a tear from his eye.

Staal’s best season came in 2005-06 when he had a league-high 100 points on 45 goals and 55 assists and helped the Hurricanes to their only Stanley Cup title along with current Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour.

“Eric is a uniquely central figure in franchise history,” Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky said. “Throughout his time in the Triangle, he made an immeasurable impact on his teammates, the organization and the community. We look forward to raising number 12 to the rafters and celebrating the career of a man who has meant so much to hockey fans in North Carolina.”

He is the fourth Hurricanes/Whalers player to have his jersey retired, joining Glen Wesley (No. 2), Ron Francis (No. 10) and Brind’Amour (No. 17).

Staal ended his speech with a thank you to the Caniacs – “Thank you for the love and making this the loudest house in the NHL. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the memories, I’ll see y’all at the rink.”

The first 6,500 fans in attendance received a limited edition Eric Staal Retirement Night bobblehead courtesy of UNC Health, and everyone at the game received a commemorative Eric Staal Retirement Night mini banner, also presented by UNC Health.

Source: wralsportsfan.com