test2wa

NHL

The Vancouver Canucks will pay homage to one of their fan favorites by retiring Trevor Linden's No. 16 before Wed's game.

The Canucks will retire Trevor Linden's No. 16 prior to Wednesday's contest against the Edmonton Oilers, making the him the second player to receive such an honor from the franchise. Stan Smyl, a former captain and member of the Canucks from 1978-91, had his No. 12 retired.

A native of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Linden played center and right wing with four different teams - the Canucks (in two stints), New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals throughout his 19-year career.

He collected 375 goals and 492 assists in 1,382 career contests.

Before joining the NHL in 1988, Linden captained the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League to consecutive Memorial Cup championships. In addition to appearing in two NHL All-Star games, Linden was a member of the 1998 Canadian Olympic team and participated in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

Linden, who announced his retirement on June 11, ranks second in team history in goals (318) and points (713), and first in assists (415) and games played (1,140).

"You could tell right off the bat that Trevor was going to be a great player," said Bob McCammon, who coached the Canucks from 1987 to 1990. "He was a breath of fresh air. He was anxious to play and he was excited to play and he showed his enthusiasm all the time."

From his NHL debut on October 6, 1988 against the Winnipeg Jets to his final game on April 5, 2008 versus the Calgary Flames, "Captain Canuck" made quite a name for himself around the NHL.

"His commitment to his team and to community was of equal meaning and equal importance and he was intelligent enough to recognize that early on in his career," said Canucks associate coach Rick Bowness, who also guided Linden during his time with the Islanders. "He was committed to both. Trevor was one of those rare individuals you enjoyed being around every day because of that.

"To me, Trevor epitomizes whatever a true pro is all about. The way he approached playing the game with his work habits on and off the ice -- he's certainly second to none."