Ryan Smyth was soaking in the scene around him, his sweat-soaked jersey and equipment stuck firmly to his body. The veteran of more than 1,200 NHL games had experienced many career-defining moments over the years, but this night stuck out amongst them all.
Smyth roamed the Rexall Place dressing room - carrying more than just the weight of all that damp gear. It was the weight of the emotional night that was, that sat with him as he looked around the room at his smiling companions.
"It is very emotional for sure, when you part ways with your equipment and hang it up for the last time," Smyth said.
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