Stars to retire Mike Modano's No. 9 in pre-game ceremony on March 8

Mike Modano will be just the fourth member of the Stars' franchise to have his number retired. (Tony Gutierrez/AP)

By Amy Lilek

The Dallas Stars have announced that franchise legend Mike Modano will be honored with a number retirement ceremony featuring members of their 1999 Stanley Cup championship team, including Ed Belfour and Brett Hull, among others before a home game against Minnesota on March 8.

Modano, who began his NHL career when the team was located in Minnesota and called the North Stars, played 21 seasons for the franchise and is its all-time leader in numerous categories, including goals (557), assists (802), points (1,359), games played (1,459) and game-winning goals (92).

The Livonia, Michigan, native is also one of the most successful American-born NHL players, holding career records in goals (561) and points (1,374). He represented Team USA in three Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in 2002 at Salt Lake City.

Drafted first overall in 1988, Modano became a seven-time NHL All-Star and was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.