The inevitable was announced today as the Rangers will retire Brian Leetch’s No. 2 on January 24 before the match against the Atlanta Thrashers.

In a press release, general manager Glen Sather said, “When we talk about what it means to be a New York Ranger, Brian Leetch is the player who exemplifies that model. He is simply the greatest defenseman in the history of the franchise and gave the same effort when it came to helping the community off the ice.  There is no higher honor to grant Brian then to have his number raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden to join the other Garden legends.”

In what is to be one of the hottest events for the upcoming season, no individual tickets will be available since the 350 or so open seats will be used for visiting dignitaries and Leetch’s family.

The Garden will be rocking for that night, but don’t expect an event like Mark Messier night two years ago, because Leetch will want something more low key.