Cam Neely: the the pre-eminent power forward

Today, six years ago, the Boston Bruins retired Cam Neely’s No. 8 at the FleetCenter [now named the TD Garden]. On Jan. 12, 2004, Cameron Michael Neely was the last Bruins’ player to have his name and number hoisted to the rafters.

The four-time All Star led the Boston Bruins in scoring in seven of his 10 years with the franchise — including three 50-goal seasons, while becoming the second fastest to reach to 50-goal plateau in a single-season [44 games].

No. 8 ranks ninth in scoring amongst the Bruins’ all-time leaders with 590, and is the franchise leader in playoff goals with 55.

After succumbing to injuries [knee], Neely retired on Sept. 5, 1996 at the age of 31. After 13 seasons in the NHL, Neely appeared in 726 games and racked-up a scoring line of 395-299-694 totals and 1,241 penalty minutes.

A name and number synonymous talent, determination, grit, and finesse, Neely was the quintessential power forward of his time, and rightfully deserving his 2005 Hall-of-Fame induction.