John Tonelli says this individual didn't believe his Simply no. 27 would be retired by the brand new York Islanders.

Tonelli played his last video game for the Islanders in 1986. The greats with whom he received four straight Stanley Glass championships from 1980-83 -- Denis Potvin (5), Clark Gillies (9), Bryan Trottier (19), Mike Bossy (22), Bob Nystrom (23) and Billy Smith (31) -- acquired their numbers retired way back when. He figured there is no way he'd join them in the rafters of Nassau Coliseum, which hosted that dynasty.

But that changed when Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello told him or else in December, that the former forward will be honored before their game against the Detroit Reddish Wings on Feb. 21.

"Never in my own wildest desire," Tonelli said. "By no means did I think this might happen. But since I look back again, I stated, 'All that hard work you put into it, you're becoming custom basketball iron on stickers rewarded,' and I'm getting rewarded because of the great teammates that I had and everything that they do. And the fantastic architect, personalized sports logo iron on design (former general supervisor) Bill Torrey putting stuff collectively, giving me the chance to enjoy on that group, and (former trainer) Al [Arbour]."

The 62-year-old played eight seasons with the Islanders (1978-86) and had 206 goals and 338 assists in 594 regular-season games and 82 points (28 goals, 54 assists) in 113 playoff games.

When the news headlines was announced, the immediate reaction between the group of fans was that their captain, forwards Anders Lee, would need to change his quantity. But Tonelli said he informed Lee to put on No. 27 for the rest of his Islanders profession.

"I'm therefore honored that he'll continue steadily to wear our amount," Tonelli said of Lee. "I could just tell he's got personality, he's a great leader. I'd like him to use that, and hopefully 1 day we'll be up there jointly. I'm cheering big style for that."

Tonelli was also inducted in to the Islanders Hall of Fame throughout a 35-minute ceremony that was attended by Potvin, Gillies, Trottier, Nystrom and Smith. Butch Goring, who have his No. 91 retired eight days afterwards, was up in the press container finding your way through his broadcasting duties.

"There is no doubt there's a particular relationship," Tonelli said. "We don't see one another very often, however when we perform it's New York Rangers iron on stickers a big hug, it's a big smile and it's really something you may never forget, all the function, all the effort, full color t shirt iron on transfers placed into creating that bond."

Following the ceremony, the Islanders did their alum proud with a 4-1 win against the Red Wings. Forwards Jordan Eberle experienced a hat trick to greatly help end a four-video game losing streak.

"Ever since I acquired the decision from Lou, I am in a different disposition," Tonelli stated. "All upbeat. Nothing sort of stresses me out. It's simply been a constant excitement and an excellent feeling."