The game of Hockey has seen its fair share of characters. There have been boisterous, larger-than-life types. There have been comedians. Strong and silent types have come and gone. There are simply too many to list. But there are two in particular who we want to focus on here.

Chico Resch and Jaromír Jágr.

At first glance, you may be wondering to yourself, what do these two have in common that would link them in this column? They certainly never played against each other in an NHL game. So what gives? 

Well, the man simply known as Chico – his real name is Glenn Resch – and the one known for his mullet hairstyle – Jágr fans have often imitated the legend’s look – are grouped here because of some long overdue honors that we’re about to get into.

On Sunday, February 18, 2024, 23 years after last donning a Penguins jersey as a member of Pittsburgh’s roster, Jágr’s iconic number 68 was finally raised to the rafters at PPG Paints Arena. His somewhat complicated and misunderstood relationship with the Penguins was finally put aside to honor one of the greatest players – and characters – the sport has ever seen. 

To commemorate the occasion, Jágr even gave fans a look at what might have been had he chosen to return to Pittsburgh in 2011. A couple of days before his jersey retirement, Jágr skated alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and company at a Penguins’ practice, giving those in attendance a glimpse at what the multi-generational combination could have done.

But what does any of this have to do with Chico?

Simply put, it’s about time the Devils take a page out of the Penguins’ playbook and right a long overdue wrong. New Jersey should put Chico in its Ring of Honor. Sure, Resch only played three-and-a-half seasons of his career in the Garden State – for the moment we’re not counting the one-and-a-half seasons he and the franchise spent in Colorado – but he was the one who brought instant credibility to the organization when they moved to New Jersey. 

Chico won a Cup with the Islanders and then finished in the Top 10 for Hart and Vezina Trophy voting during the Devils’ first season in New Jersey. He was the player who the fans connected with. Even now, 40-some odd years after the Devils moved to the Garden State, Chico is still one of the most beloved people around the organization. 

Resch’s work on TV and currently on radio has allowed him to maintain his connection with the fans and his wonderful personality endears him to new fans every day. 

According to former Devils’ radio play-by-play broadcaster, Larry Hirsch, “it’s about time the Devils put Chico in the Ring of Honor.” Hirsch told “Blittner’s Blue Line” that he’s been petitioning the team to honor Chico in this way and who knows, maybe it’ll happen. 

Resch certainly deserves it.

Speaking of Resch, his former team, the New York Islanders, is getting an honor of their own. During the first intermission of the Islanders-Rangers Stadium Series game the NHL announced that its annual All-Star Weekend is coming to Long Island in 2026 as a prelude to the Winter Olympics in Italy.

According to a press release sent out by the Isles, Majority Owner Scott Malkin had the following to say in regards to the NHL’s announcement. “We are honored to be invited to host the National Hockey League, the game’s finest players and fans from around the world to join us in New York for the 2026 NHL All-Star Weekend.

“Whether our guests will be watching the talented players on the ice in UBS Arena, a building built specifically for hockey, shopping in Belmont Park Village or enjoying pre and post-game festivities in The Park, the 2026 All-Star weekend will show NHL fans the outstanding destination we have for hockey, shopping and entertainment.”

Outside of the increased traffic that is sure to bring the Cross Island Parkway to an utter standstill, this announcement is nothing short of a major victory lap for the Islanders organization. 

So, when the 2026 All-Star festivities get underway, do you think Resch and his 1980 Cup-winning teammates will be part of the fun? Only time will tell, but I’d bet The League insists upon it.