Wolves to Retire Maltais' Jersey
Published on January 26, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release
The Chicago Wolves will retire former captain Steve Maltais' No. 11 jersey on Sat., April 15, when they face the Houston Aeros at the Allstate Arena at 7 p.m.
"As a hockey player and an athlete, it's an honor to have spent 11 years with an organization like the Wolves," said Maltais. "Eleven years is a big chapter of your life and I've got a lot of memories of the people, the championships and the incredible fans that I'll treasure forever. It will be a privilege to see my number hanging in the Allstate Arena."
The only player to skate in each of the team's first 11 seasons, Maltais finished his Wolves career as the franchise's all-time leader in goals (454); assists (496); points (950); penalty minutes (1,061) and games played (839).
"He was the face of our franchise for 11 years and one of the cornerstones for the team's three championships," said Wolves General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. "It will be a just tribute for all of his personal accomplishments and contributions he's made to the organization during his 11-year tenure."
Said Chairman of the Board Don Levin, "Clearly, Steve is among the greatest players in Wolves history. He was a terrific leader and has left an enormous legacy."
Maltais helped lead the team to the 1998 and 2000 Turner Cup Championships and the 2002 Calder Cup Championship. The Arvida, Quebec, native amassed 63 goals, 65 assists and 128 points in 142 postseason games, which includes a career-high and AHL-leading 12 playoff goals in 2002.
The 11-time Wolves captain earned two league scoring titles, leading the International Hockey League with 90 points (44G, 46A) in 1999-2000 and the American Hockey League with 86 points (30G, 56A) in 2002-03. Maltais notched four consecutive 100-point seasons (1995-1999), highlighted by a professional career-high 122 points (56G, 66A) in 1995-96.
He collected four 50-goal campaigns, including a career-most 60 in 1996-97. Maltais led or shared first on the Wolves in goals in eight of his 11 seasons, and paced the league in goals five times.
He represented Chicago in seven IHL All-Star games and owns the IHL record for most points scored in All-Star Game appearances (12). Maltais was named to the IHL First All-Star Team three times (1994-95, 1998-99 and 1999-2000) and the IHL Second All-Star Team twice (1995-96 and 1996-97).
During the team's first six years, he appeared in all but four games and earned the IHL Ironman Award in 1999-2000 for demonstrating outstanding offensive and defensive skills while appearing in all 82 regular-season games.
Maltais played parts of six seasons in the National Hockey League, collecting nine goals and 27 points in 120 games with the the Washington Capitals (1989-1991); Minnesota North Stars (1991-92); Tampa Bay Lightning (1992-93); Detroit Red Wings (1993-94); and Columbus Blue Jackets (2000-01).
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