NHL: New Jersey Devils at Edmonton Oilers

Devils forward Adam Henrique has worn No. 14 his entire hockey career. (Chris LaFrance/USA TODAY Sports)

DETROIT — Adam Henrique's hockey roots are just across the Detroit River in Windsor, Ont., where he played junior for the OHL's Windsor Spitfires.

It will be in Windsor on Jan. 25 that the junior team retires No. 14 to honor Henrique, Steve Ott and Ed Jovanovski.

"It's a tremendous honor. It's going to be a special night," the Devils' center said Wednesday morning at Joe Louis Arena. "It's something I'm looking forward to. It is a little strange to be young and have them put your number up there already. Hopefully near the end of my career I'll have a few more of those to go to."

Henrique, 24, will be able to attend the ceremony because it comes during the NHL All-Star break.He has worn No. 14 since he was a young boy in Burford, Ont.

"My whole life. I have a jersey this big (indicating very small) and it's No. 14," Henrique said. "I was No. 14 when I was little. Then in junior I asked for 14 and it was available. They were thinking about honoring it then, before I wore it.

"(Brian) Gionta had 14 here (with the Devils) for the longest time. The year I got it for my first game a few guys wore it. Some connection up in the front off helped out. It was just one of those things. I got lucky throughout my career and was able to wear the same number. I haven't worn any other number playing in the NHL."

He had it for his first NHL game against the Boston Bruins on April 10, 2011, at Prudential Center.

"I was wearing 52 in preseason. That's a horrible number," Henrique said.

Henrique and Ott will be honored in Windsor on Sunday, Jan. 25. Jovanovski will be honored Jan. 17.

Henrique played four seasons for Windsor. The Spitfires won two Ontario Hockey League and Memorial Cup championships in 2009 and 2010.

In 20 playoff games in 2009, Henrique had eight goals and nine assists. In 2010 he scored 20 goals in 19 games and was the OHL playoff MVP.

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Martin Havlat, Stefan Matteau and Seth Helgeson will be the Devils' scratches against the Red Wings Wednesday night.

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.