Middleton retirement ceremony details released

The Boston Bruins released details on Wednesday afternoon relating to the number retirement of former Boston forward Rick Middleton. The ceremony will take place before the Bruins' November 29th tilt with the New York Islanders.

Former Bruin and current NESN analyst Andy Brickley will host the ceremony, which is set to get underway at 6:30 p.m., according to a press release from the organization. Also in attendance will be Chief Executive Officer Charlie Jacobs, Middleton's former Bruins coach Don Cherry, as well as a number of unannounced former players.

Frank Miller - a former youth hockey coach of Middleton - and the 2002 Paralympic Sled Hockey team, who Middleton coached to the Gold Medal in Salt Lake City, will also be in attendance next Thursday.

Middleton played 12 years with the Bruins spanning from 1976-1988. During his tenure with Boston, "Nifty" as he was called played in 881 games, scoring 402 goals and tallying 898 points – the third and fourth most in club history, respectively. Middleton’s 496 assists are the sixth most in Bruins' history; he is also the franchise leader in shorthanded goals (25).

Ten other players have had their numbers raised to the rafters by the Bruins, with Middleton’s "16" the newest addition since Cam Neely's number "8" was retired in 2004. The 64-year old Middleton was 25 when Bobby Orr's number "4" was retired in Boston Garden in 1979. During his career with the Bruins, Middleton also saw Johnny Bucyk (1980) and Phil Esposito (1987) have their jerseys retired.

Puck drop is slated for 8:08 p.m. after the ceremony next Thursday night.

Cox Media Group