"There weren't many empty seats or dry eyes tonight during Joe Sakic's retirement celebration at the Pepsi Center. Super Joe's No. 19 went to the rafters in style, fitting for the city's larger-than-life hockey superstar.

"Thirty-six years ago, I was 4 years old and went to watch my first hockey game, a Vancouver Canuck game back at home, and that's when my dream started. I wanted to be hockey player," Sakic said from a podium after a lengthy video presentation captured his boyhood years and 20-year NHL career. "And I can honestly tell you that back then I could have never imagined I'd be here right now in front of you, getting ready to see my jersey be raised to the rafters. What an honor it is for me and my family, and I know by

standing here right now, I'm going to miss this game."

It was quite a celebration. The rink's dasher boards featured No. 19 logos sprinkled every 10 feet between advertisements. Master of ceremony Alan Roach spoke from the podium near center ice with the guests of honor seated behind him. Sakic's parents, wife and three children were introduced before Joe was filmed entering the area, shaking hands withseason-ticket holders before walking into the dressing room and addressing former teammates.

Sakic said he nearly broke down in tears when he saw his old locker stall enshrined, with his equipment neatly placed behind a glass barrier."