To have your number retired in any sport means you have left a legacy, not just through athletics but through community. One of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Victoria Grizzlies is getting the ultimate honour after an incredible start to his National Hockey League career.
Alex Newhook played for the Victoria Grizzlies from 2017 to 2019. He then headed to Boston College for the 2019-2020 season and was signed with Colorado Avalanche for the 2019 season.
In his second season with Colorado Avalanche, the team won the Stanley Cup.
“In my career, it’s the only place I’ve played in the NHL, and I met so many of my best friends and great teammates there,” Newhook said in an interview with CHEK News.
Over the summer he faced uncertainty with unrestricted free agency. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens.
“These kinds of things happen in hockey, a lot of guys don’t stay in one organization for their whole career,” Newhook said. “I was lucky to start in a great organization, and be moving on to another great one.”
“It’s pretty surreal to think I’m gonna be wearing the red, white, and blue coming up.”
Newhook has previously played with the number 18 on his jersey, but the Montreal Canadiens have already retired that number.
“Fifteen is the new number,” Newhook said.
And coming up in October, the Grizzlies will retire 18 from the team.
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“It’s always cool when you hear this number is retired because of this guy. I remember when I was coming I wanted to be 8 and they didn’t give me it because of Jordie [Benn], then I wanted to be 16 [and I couldn’t] because of Jamie [Benn],” Newhook said.
-With files from CHEK’s Jordan Cunningham
Laura Brougham
