Gartner to have number retired by Caps

Sep 2, 2008 - 2:17 PM ARLINGTON, Virginia (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals will retire Mike Gartner's number in late December.

Gartner, who ranks second in Capitals history in goals (397), assists (392) and points (789), is the fourth player in Capitals' history to have his number retired.

The club will officially retire his No. 11 jersey during a pregame ceremony before the team's contest with Toronto on December 28.

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Washington Capitals and to join the distinguished company of my fellow teammates Ivan Labre, Rod Langway and Dale Hunter," Gartner said. "I look forward to the upcoming evening in December and sharing those fond memories with my family and those fans in attendance."

Gartner spent the first 10 seasons of his 19-year NHL career with the Capitals after Washington selected him in the first round, fourth overall, in the 1979 draft.

Inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, Gartner holds the NHL record for the most 30-goal seasons (17) and shares the record for most consecutive 30-goal seasons (15).

The seven-time All-Star led the Capitals in goals five times and in points four times, scoring at least 35 goals in each of his first nine years with the club.

Gartner played 1,432 career games with five teams in his career, recording 708 goals (sixth in NHL history) and 627 assists for 1,335 points.