Cory Schneider will be representing the Devils in the All-Star game this weekend and with good reason. He has been a brick wall for the Devils and arguably the biggest reason they are in the playoff hunt right now. Just a little over a week from now, though, all the attention will be on his predecessor and the greatest New Jersey Devil of all time which is not an argument.

Martin Brodeur is set to have his number 30 retired on February 8th at the Prudential Center along with the unveiling of a statue in his likeness in front of the arena. If any athlete has deserved a statue in the last 20 years, Marty’s name was undoubtedly at the top of the list.

Brodeur pretty much accomplished everything a goalie could ever want. He won 3 Stanley Cups, 2 Olympic gold medals, 4 Vezina Trophies, and a Calder Memorial Trophy. But the list of records amassed over a 24-year professional career is even more impressive. Instead of listing these accomplishments, I’ve included this fun infographic courtesy of the New Jersey Devils website:

His impact goes beyond strictly numbers too. His style of play was unorthodox yet he always managed to be in the right place at the right time when it really counted most. His insane puck handling ability made him a nightmare for pinching defenders and forwards chasing down dumped pucks alike. The NHL even created a new rule; the trapezoid rule, that stopped Marty from roaming around the ice and disrupting the offensive play. The Devil’s style of hockey revolved around him and made the team famous for a slow-paced methodical unraveling of the opponent. Games often were very low scoring and even to this day the team is clouded with a stigma for committing ‘boring hockey’.

We as Devils fans wouldn’t want it any other way. Drafted in 1990, Brodeur has literally been a Devil my entire life and will always hold a special place in my memory for bringing a group of fans so much joy and pride. All the times we collectively jumped up and down and yelled at the top of our lungs; when he stood on his head to make an impossible save; when he carried the team on his back during an improbable playoff run. These moments will live on forever in time. The collective energy can be found bouncing around the Rock as they did in the Continental Airlines Arena before it. Fans walk around and see his influence on everything. We think to ourselves, “None of this could have been possible without you Marty.”

The Devil’s market share is small. With New York in sight from the highway and the bottom of half of the state pledging its allegiance to Philadelphia teams, existing fans were twice as dedicated. There was a good chance the team could have been squeezed out, sold, and shipped away if it weren’t for the success of 13 consecutive playoff seasons. Sold out crowds night after night to see the greatest goaltender in history perform his magic also had a positive impact.

The number 30 will hang from the rafters and inspire future generations of Devils fans to be great and take pride in Jersey’s team. The statue, which is modeled after the cover photo above, means so much more. It speaks to the unity and camaraderie of this team and this state; a dedication to one another then, now, and in the future.

It wouldn’t be an article about Brodeur if I didn’t share some his most brilliant moments with you all so, enjoy: