The Garden party that has been a generation in the making is set for Feb. 25.
That’s the night the Rangers will pay tribute to the great Jean Ratelle by retiring the elegant centerman’s No. 19 before their game against the Red Wings.
Ratelle, who will celebrate his 77th birthday on Oct. 3, is the third-leading scorer in franchise history, recording 817 (336-481) points in 862 games from 1961 until he was traded to the Bruins with Brad Park in exchange for Phil Esposito, Carol Vadnais and Joe Zanussi in an act of sedition by Emile Francis on Nov. 7, 1975.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985, Ratelle completed his career with 1,267 points (491-776) in 1,281 games, retiring following 1980-81. He was named one of the NHL’s Greatest 100 in a ceremony at last year’s All-Star weekend in Los Angeles and wore the Rangers jersey during the presentation prior to the game (in which Park wore Boston colors).
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That weekend prompted conversations with club president Glen Sather that culminated with the decision, reported exclusively by The Post in February, to make Ratelle the ninth player in franchise history to be so memorialized.
Ed Giacomin (No. 1), Brian Leetch (No. 2), Harry Howell (No. 3), Rod Gilbert (No. 7), Andy Bathgate (No. 9), Adam Graves (No. 9), Mark Messier (No. 11) and Mike Richter (No. 35) have previously been so honored.
“To have your sweater retired is the greatest honor a player can receive. You could not ask for more than that,” Ratelle told The Post upon the announcement. “I’m really looking forward to being back at the Garden.
“My family will be with me. I’m going to enjoy it.”
The acclaimed GAG Line, for which Ratelle centered Gilbert and Vic Hadfield through the halcyon days of the Francis Era from the late ’60s through early ’70s, is expected to reunite for the festivities for what would be the first time since the three linemates attended the Blueshirts’ 75th anniversary season home-opener on Oct. 11, 2000.
The Rangers, who will be on the ice Sept. 15 for their first day of training camp, have introduced dynamic ticket pricing for this season. There are 11 distinct levels of pricing dependent the time of year, day of the week and opponent, with Level 11 the most expensive. Ratelle Night has been designated as one of four Level 8 games.