Roenick remembered in Philly

Friday February 22, 2008 @ 02:40 PM EST

On Feb. 21, San Jose Sharks center Jeremy Roenick made his first visit to Philadelphia since the 2003-04 season when he led the Flyers to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Roenick was presented with a Tiffany crystal for recording his 500th NHL goal earlier this season in a 4-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Nov. 10. The fans in attendance gave Roenick a memorable ovation. In fact, the ovation would be the only applause heard inside the Wachovia Center that evening as the Flyers suffered their ninth straight defeat to plummet further out of the playoff picture.

Goal No. 500 enabled Roenick to become the third American-born player to obtain that milestone. The nine-time All-Star ranks 40th in goals and 44th in points on the NHL career lists.

Roenick, who was presented the crystal by Flyers GM Paul Holmgren during a pre-game ceremony, was touched.

``It was just awesome,’’ Roenick told me after the game.

``Just coming back here and getting to see the fans again. I had such a great rapport with them and they treated me so good when I was here and even now, when I’m gone. They pay their respects to me and I salute them right back. Philly will always hold a special place in my heart. It was nice being out here.’‘

Roenick spent three seasons in Philadelphia before agreeing to a trade to the Los Angeles Kings to make salary cap space for Peter Forsberg. In 54 games with the Sharks, Roenick has nine goals and 13 assists.

NHL.com