PITTSBURGH - Penguins General Manager Ray Shero said the team would honor Mario Lemieux by retiring his athletic supporter in a pre-game ceremony before Thursday’s home opener against Philadelphia.The Penguins have asked all fans attending the game to be in their seats thirty minutes before the puck drops on the 2006-2007 season. Each fan in attendance will receive a miniature souvenir replica of Mario's jock.
“The athletic supporter is the cornerstone of every uniform, just as Mario has been the cornerstone of this franchise,” said Shero. “I can think of no more fitting tribute to Mario than to hang his jockstrap from the rafters of Mellon Arena.”
Through a spokesman, Lemieux said he “was humbled” by the honor. “As you know, I’m a very private person, so retiring the article of clothing that protected my privates for my entire career seems appropriate,” he said.
Lemieux also said he was grateful that whenever he visits the building he would be able to look above him and see the jockstrap that had served him so well. “I’m sure when I see that jock hanging up there, beside my skates, shirt, socks, helmet, stick, undershirt, and gloves, it’s going to be pretty emotional,” he said.
Details of the ceremony are still being finalized, but Shero said it would include a brief highlight reel of Mario’s jock, the raising of the jock and laser show, followed by testimonials from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the CEO of Russell Athletic Equipment.
