Pilote, Magnuson join elite group

When their banners were raised to the United Center roof on Wednesday night, officially retiring Blackhawks jersey No. 3 for Pierre Pilote and the late Keith Magnuson, they became the first defensemen to be so honored by the organization.

Pilote and Magnuson joined two goalies and three forwards in the rafters: Glenn Hall (1) and Tony Esposito (35), Stan Mikita (21) Denis Savard (18) and Bobby Hull (9).

"It's nice seeing defensemen get recognized and get that attention because it usually doesn't go to those guys," said Hawks coach Joel Quenneville, a former defenseman himself.

"It's nice when defensemen are recognized because they're not always in the limelight as forwards are," Hawks defenseman Duncan Keith said.

In an emotional ceremony before the Hawks took on the Boston Bruins, Pilote and the family of Magnuson, including wife Cindy, son Kevin and daughter Molly, drew loud cheers from the crowd as they walked to center ice.

"It's time we added two of our great defensemen to the pantheon of Blackhawks hockey," chairman Rocky Wirtz said. "I know Keith is watching tonight, but this time not from the penalty box."

Magnuson racked up 1,442 penalty minutes in his 11-year Hawks career, a number that drew cheers from the crowd. Only Chris Chelios had more penalty minutes in a Hawks uniform.

Kevin Magnuson gave a stirring speech, reminding everyone of how his father could speak so beautifully.

"Our family will always look at the No. 3 in the rafters and remember what it meant to my father to be a Blackhawk," Kevin Magnuson said.

Added ceremony host Pat Foley: "To walk into a room with Keith Magnuson was like walking into a room with Santa Claus. He was a Blackhawks ambassador before there were ambassadors."

The 77-year-old Pilote talked from the heart as well, thanking the Hawks and the city of Chicago.

"I have received several awards in my life, but I am truly humbled by this one," Pilote said.

Hull, Mikita, Esposito and Savard attended the ceremony. It was Savard's first public appearance since he was fired as coach, and he drew a thunderous ovation that Foley had to cut off to keep things rolling.

Savard waved to the crowd and later was surrounded by his former players.

Quenneville was hoping the emotion of the evening would help the Hawks keep the momentum going on home ice.

"They're two special players in their own ways," Quenneville said. "With Keith you always knew what a competitor he was, what a great teammate, a very likeable guy who would do anything for his team."