Darryl Sittler joined the likes of Syl Apps, George Armstrong, Johnny Bower and other Toronto greats when the team honoured the former Leaf captain by raising his name and number before the Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens.
During the ceremony an emotional Sittler paid tribute to his wife Wendy, who died of cancer on Oct. 6, 2001. Sittler was originally supposed to have been honoured just three days before her death, but he asked the ceremony be delayed because of her illness.
"Wendy was the most influential person in my life," the 52-year old Sittler told the fans. "She's here in spirit."
Darryl Sittler (right), joined by his son Ryan, watches a banner raised in his honour at Air Canada Centre on Saturday. (CP Photo)
Wendy's signature is on bottom-right corner of the banner, which has Sittler's number over his picture.
The sold-out crowd of 19,439 -- which included Sittler's former linemates Lanny MacDonald and Tiger Williams -- gave the former Leaf captain a thunderous ovation when he was introduced and when his number was raised.
In 12 years with the Leafs, Sittler posted 389 goals and 916 points and was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989. But what Sittler will always be remembered for is his NHL record 10-point game on February 7, 1976. On that night, Sittler could do no wrong as he potted six goals and four assists for a record that still stands today.
Sittler's No. 27 joined those of Turk Broda and Bower (1), Bill Barilko (5), Ace Bailey (6), King Clancy and Tim Horton (7), Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy (9), Apps and Armstrong (10) and Frank Mahovlich (27) in the rafters of the Air Canada Centre. Barilko and Bailey are the only Maple Leafs to have their numbers retired.
