#PattyForever: Fans share memories of favorite Patrik Elias moments

Over 18 years as a Devil, Patrik Elias provided fans with memories that will last a life time. From making his NHL debut to hoisting the Stanley Cup (twice!), Elias is the owner of an iconic career in New Jersey. Elias will not only be remembered for his performances on the ice, but also for his contributions away from the rink. We asked fans to submit some of their favorite Patrik Elias memories.
Keep submitting your favorite Patrik Elias moments on social media and get featured on our #PattyForever webpage with more great responses.
Check out some of the best responses below as the club prepares to raise Elias' No. 26 banner to the Prudential Center rafters on Feb. 24:

Tweet from @NJDevils: What are your favorite Patrik Elias memories? Share them with us using #PattyForever! https://t.co/VK0SMaQRz6 pic.twitter.com/nRFj87pAR9
William Thoman
Will never forget the night my sister and I walked down by ourselves (without parents, we were 8) and Elias flipped a puck over the boards. Unfortunately, the puck hit my sister square on the forehead. Like a true Devil, Patrik met with us after the game downstairs in the medical center and apologized. The apology was surely unnecessary as we had the chance to meet our favorite player of more than 10 years. It's been a long time, three cups, and many seasons with this team. There is nothing that we'll enjoy more than seeing Elias' #26 get lifted up to the rafters. Let's go Devils!
Tweet from @savageaf82: Meeting my favorite player for the 1st time at a STM event and realizing he's the kindest superstar ever. Each time I've seen or met him he was genuinely the same. His humility was always a great example for how one should be when they become successful.
Jeff Farin
All of them. From the day he was drafted until the day he hung up his skates, he was a class act, a loyal NJ Devil, a gentleman, a winner, a fighter for his health and for his family and for his teammates. He is as good as it gets.

Derek Berg
Video: TOR@NJD: Elias nets Devils' last goal of the season
My favorite Patty moment is his last game, April 9, 2016. Very few players get to go out on top so seeing Patty put 3 points and his final goal in the final seconds of his last game was a very fitting end to a great career. I will be unable to attend his retirement night so here is to a great career and a forever Devil!
Tweet from @NHLPinup: When I was 14, I met him during the lockout. A million thoughts ran through my head but all I could get out was "You're my idol, thank you so much". I then had tears of joy for the next 20 minutes or so �� #PattyForever pic.twitter.com/RhXHUOgDm2
Christian Valentine
My favorite Patty moment was my first season as a season ticket holder, my brother and I were at the game together which is always rare to be at a game together and it was the last home game of the season. we were able to not only witness him becoming the first star of the game but we watched him score his last goal scored as a devil and a professional hockey player. A year later we upgraded our seats for his last lap and continued to renew our season tickets to be right below where his number will hang in the Prudential Center on Saturday February 24th and forever. Always a Devil, Patty.

Kevin Finnegan
My daughter was coming back from Colorado to NJ for her bridal shower and saw Patty waiting for the same flight. She went over and introduced herself to him and told him she was a BIG DEVIL FAN as were her parents. She asked if she could take a picture with him and he said yes. Her hand was trembling as she put her arm around his neck that her future husband would take. Best Memory Ever!

Peter Sandin

Every St. Patrick's Day our family makes it special to attend the Devils Games - We always looked at those games as the celebration of #26 Patrik Elias. The best is when he put on the Green Derby and skated the rink and saluted the crowd. This was a day for always breaking out the Green/Red and White jerseys to celebrate a great Devils player.
Tweet from @J_Elam33: First game I ever went to. Devils vs Hurricanes in early 2003. Elias scored 2 goals. Devils wound up winning 5-2. #PattyForever
Melissa Spadaro
I was at the game when Patty got his 1000 point!!! I will never forget the adrenaline of being in that arena! Up there with that is meeting him at a signing event!
Nick Fowler
Seeing Patty's reaction as his wife and kids came up to drop the puck for Patty's last lap. It was so great to see the genuine surprise and emotion that cropped up when he saw them. He has so many great hockey moments, but this really shows us a side of him we don't usually see on the ice as someone who is a loving parent and husband

John Krapf
Dec. 23, 2005. Patty was still out with hepatitis. He sat in the stands with the rest of us fans and then stayed after the game and signed items for everyone including my youngest son who was 5 years old and at his first game. One of the reasons I'm a huge fan of Patrik the person as well as Patrik the player. He never loses sight of his fans and always appreciates them.
More Favorite Elias Moments: