The now 42-year-old Ericsson played most of his long career in Skellefteå AIK, before hanging up his skates three years ago.
No player has since played in number 21, and now it is clear that it will never happen again.
"Feels just right"
Today, the club announced that Ericsson will be the first player to have his shirt number retired, and that on September 17 his shirt will be hoisted into the roof of the arena.
- Jimmie has contributed at a very high level for many years in our association and has been a strong contributor to our success in the 2010s.
The fact that he is the first to get his shirt lifted feels absolutely right and it also sets the standard for what is required, says club chairman Petter Mikaelsson on the association's website.
“Was very happy”
Ericsson, who won two SM golds and four SM silvers with Skellefteå, is of course happy about the news.
- It is, of course, incredibly honourable.
I was very happy when AIK announced this to me, he says to the newspaper Norran.
- Then whether someone had played with that number or not doesn't really matter that much.
What is very honorable is that my shirt gets to hang on the ceiling above the North Power (the supporters' club, ed. note) and that I will be able to see it every time I go to a game.