RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Staal became the fourth player to have his number retired by the Carolina Hurricanes when his number 12 was retired before the team’s game against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday at Lenovo Center.

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native and former No. 2 draft pick spent 12 of his 18 NHL seasons with Carolina, recording 455 goals and 608 assists in 1,365 career games. He served as captain from 2009 to 2016 and appeared in six NHL All-Star Games, winning the MVP award in the 2008 competition.

The 40-year-old Staal, who retired in July after signing a one-day contract with the team, joined Rod Brind’Amour (17), Ron Francis (10) and Glen Wesley (2).

After the team moved from Hartford, Connecticut in 1997, he set several franchise records, including goals scored (322), assists (453), points (775), games played (909), power play goals (105) and performance – game points (252) and hat tricks (13).

Beyond the individual successes, Staal watched the franchise secure a place in history by winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. He described this as the highlight of his career.

“The memory I have of a Hurricane is of a Stanley Cup champion,” Staal said. “It’s not easy to win one. I only have one and I won it here.”

Staal was joined at the ceremony by his family, including his brothers Jordan, the current Hurricanes captain, and Marc, a former NHL defenseman. Current Hurricanes players watched the celebrations from the bench, and several of his former teammates were also in attendance. Hurricanes Hall of Fame members Cam Ward and Justin Williams donned varsity jackets and watched the ceremony from the ice.

A video montage was played with highlights and interviews from Staal’s playing time.

“Words can hardly describe how much this means to me,” said Staal, who was occasionally interrupted by fans chanting his name. “When I was growing up…playing in the NHL felt like an impossible dream.”

Staal was presented with a Breitling watch engraved with his name and number and the phrase “Forever a Hurricane.”

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Staal said he would like to get involved in ice hockey again in some form. But at the moment he is busy at home.

“I have three boys. They’re 15, 13 and 10,” Staal said. “I help train my oldest son and my youngest. … Time just goes by so quickly.”