from Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun,

Glassy-eyed with his wife and three young children in his arms Joe Nieuwendyk stood at centre ice watching his name and number hoisted to the rafters.

Capping off one of the most prolific hockey careers of a generation, the former Calgary Flames captain was welcomed home Friday night with three separate standing ovations as part of a stirring induction into the exclusive Forever-a-Flame club.

It was a fitting celebration for a man of tremendous class, ability and accomplishment.

"Having spent almost half my career in this wonderful city, I'm overwhelmed by this humbling honour," said the former captain as part of a memorable two-minute speech as 15 teammates from the championship team of 1989 looked on.

continued and below, watch Nieuwendyk's number retirement speech...