Herd to Retire MacKinnon's Number

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Our Halifax Mooseheads announced today that they will kick off their 30th anniversary season by retiring Nathan MacKinnon's number 22 during the 2023-24 home opener on September 22. The Cole Harbour, NS native won a Memorial Cup with the team in 2013 and has spent the last 10 years with the Colorado Avalanche where he has collected 759 points during that time. 

The 28-year-old had his best year points wise in 2022-23 scoring 42 goals and 111 points in 71 games played. MacKinnon will be the fourth player in club history to have his number retired after Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Alex Tanguay and Jody Shelley. He became the first member of the Mooseheads to be drafted first overall in the NHL. Nate Dogg, as he has been nicknamed, scored 63 goals and 90 assists during 101 games playing for Halifax. 

"It's a true honour to have my jersey retired by the Mooseheads. I can't wait to share this moment with everyone back home in Moose Country," said MacKinnon. 

"Retiring number 22 at the home opener is the way to begin our 30th anniversary season," said Brian Urquhart in the press release. "Nate grew up idolizing the Mooseheads, starred for the team, led us to a Memorial Cup, and now he's one of the best players in the world. It will be a very special night for Nathan, his family and all Mooseheads fans." 

I'm so looking forward to this and I was hoping that they would retire his number at some point this season. It makes sense for the ceremony to be later this month as the NHL season will not have started yet. An anniversary jersey will be unveiled sometime this fall.