ON THIS DATE: December 11, 2000, Mario Lemieux announces return to NHL
ByMatt Simmons, WPXI.com
Mario Lemieux #66 21 Jan 2001: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins takes the puck down the ice during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Penguins defeated the Blackhawks 4-0.Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
ByMatt Simmons, WPXI.com
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Mario Lemieux became the first owner-player on his own team in National Hockey League history when he announced his return to the game on Dec. 11, 2000. Sixteen days later, “Super Mario” took to the ice amid a standing ovation and finished the game with a goal and two assists.
The team won back-to-back Stanley Cups in the 1991 and 1992 seasons. The road from laughing-stock team to champions was largely attributable to Lemieux, and the team’s chances at a three-peat were shattered when he announced in early 1993 that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
As he battled cancer, he founded the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which has raised and donated more than $30 million to cancer research and patient care initiatives since its inception.
After a season and a half off, Lemieux returned to the Penguins on the day he completed his last radiation treatment, flying straight to Philadelphia where he received a standing ovation from the usually hostile Flyers’ fans when he took the ice.
Penguins coach Eddie Johnston was asked what Lemieux’s return meant to the team. He looked skyward, made the sign of the cross and said, “I thank God for him every day.”
0 of 154
1996 46th NHL All-Star Game: Western Conference v Eastern Conference BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 20: Jaromir Jagr #68 and Mario Lemieux #66 both of the Eastern Conference and the Pittsburgh Penguins stand on the ice before the 1996 46th NHL All-Star Game against the Western Conference on January 20, 1996 at the FleetCenter in Boston, Massachusetts. The Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 5-4. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
NHL Awards Lemieux 19 Jun 1996: Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins wins the Hart Trophy during the NHL Awards ceremony at the Metro Convention Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Celebs Carry Olympic Flame 398924 01: Torchbearer Mario Lemieux passes the Olympic Flame to Ashley Barrasso during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Torch Relay December 20, 2001 in Wilkinsburg, PA. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images) (Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins v New Jersey Devils EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 5: Center Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks to make a pass against the New Jersey Devils on October 5, 2005 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Penguins 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux 27 Dec 1992: Center Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins moves down the ice during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins v New Jersey Devils EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 5: Center Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins passes against the New Jersey Devils on October 5, 2005 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Penguins 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)