Former Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek thanks the fans for their support as his jersey is retired by the team in a ceremony tonight. (PHOTOS BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHER)

BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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BUFFALO — To hear Sabres' legend Dominik Hasek tell it, he won 389 games throughout his career on the backs Michael Peca, Richard Smehlik, Alexei Zhitnik and Pat LaFontaine. And, of course, the fans.

Danny Gare, Dominik Hasek and Rene Robert watch as Hasek's jersey is lifted into the rafters.

The former goaltender was honored tonight with the raising of a banner depicting his jersey before a sold-out crowd at First Niagara Center, here just as much to watch the ceremony as they are to watch the struggling Sabres face off against Hasek's other career team, the Detroit Red Wings.

With the number 39 behind both goals, the teams' coaches each honored Hasek in their own unique way, playing a Czech-born goaltenders. The Sabres went with Michal Neuvirth, while Detroit put Petr Mrazek between the pipes.

Hasek was humble in accepting the honor of being only the seventh player in Sabres history to have his jersey retired by the team. Other retired jerseys include: Gilbert Perreault (No. 11, retired in 1990); Rick Martin (No. 7, retired in 1995); Rene Robert (No. 14, retired in 1995); Tim Horton (No. 2, retired in 1996); Danny Gare (No. 18, retired in 2005); and Pat LaFontaine (No. 16, retired in 2006).
In his time in Buffalo, Hasek held numerous franchise records and, upon his departure from the Sabres, owned the records for most all-time games played (491), wins (234), shutouts (55) and lowest career goals-against average (2.22).

While backstopping the Sabres, he became the first goaltender in NHL history to win the Hart Trophy twice (1997 and 1998), while also capturing six Vezina Trophies (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999 & 2001) as well as the William M. Jennings Trophy (1994 and 2001) and the Lester B. Pearson Award twice (1997 and 1998).

"Sabres fans are one of a kind and having your support means just as much to me as any award I could have won," Hasek said during his brief speech.

"I will always treasure my playing career with the Sabres and my time spent in Buffalo ... I cannot thank you enough for being a part of it."

After his time with the Sabres, he spent a total of four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, where he earned a pair of Stanley Cup championships (2002 & 2008) and also suited up for the Ottawa Senators during the 2005-06 season.

Click here for more photos from the jersey retirement ceremony.

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