When I think back to those players who have served as a motivation to me as a smaller guy on the ice, I think of two players in particular: Theo Fleury and Michael Peca.

Peca announced his retirement Tuesday, ending a 13-season NHL career and conversations with his family that began several months ago. At 35-years-old, he put the cap on a career filled with energy and fearlessness.

“I truly have enjoyed my entire career as an NHL player,” Peca said in a statement.

With career stops in Vancouver, Buffalo, Toronto, Long Island, Edmonton, and Columbus, Peca made an impact on each team he played for. He won gold with Team Canada in 2002 at the Olympics and was a part of two Cup finalist teams in the Oilers and Sabres.

He also won the Selke trophy twice and reached 20 goals four times to finish a career with a total of 176 goals and 465 points in 864 NHL games.

At the end of the day, the decision to retire came down to a decision to stop moving his family around. Peca noted that he felt he could still lace the skates but that he was putting his family first to give them some consistency in a league that offers constant change to players like Peca.

“Today, I can honestly say that I am able to walk away from the game as a player knowing that I always left everything I had on the ice,” he said. “I appreciate everything hockey has given me and I hope that I earned the respect of my great teammates and opponents by playing the only way I knew how to.”

Watching Peca stream down the ice or create an opportunity through an open ice hit that a guy his size really had no business making will always be something I’ll remember from his career. He was an impact player. He knew his role on the teams he played for and he understood where he fit in the grand scheme of things as a hockey player.

Even while it’s a little frustrating to see him go when he could obviously still lace the skates for an NHL team, it’s somehow satisfying to see a guy take his family and put them first. Peca is a class act, a punishing hitter and one of the game’s best defensive forwards. He’ll be missed.

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

Former Maple Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph will formally announce his retirement Tuesday afternoon at the Air Canada Centre, ending a career that leaves him with 454 wins.

Joseph served as backup to Vesa Toskala last season in Toronto but left the team after they signed 25-year-old Jonas Gustavsson.

Joseph has an impressive career under his belt and should leave the game with his head held high. He is fourth in all-time wins, trailing only Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy and Ed Belfour in that category. Joseph played in 958 regular season games, suiting up for 19 seasons with six different teams. He played for St. Louis, Edmonton, Detroit, Phoenix, Calgary and Toronto.

Joseph’s best days were probably in the time between 1998 and 2002, as he suited up as a workhorse in goal for the Maple Leafs. He posted 17 shutouts in 249 games during that period, helping the Leafs make the conference finals twice.

A quality individual on and off the ice, Cujo’s presence in the National Hockey League will be missed. He always came to play and gave it his all each and every single time he stepped between the pipes.

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

After 21 seasons in the National Hockey League, Brendan Shanahan announced his retirement on Tuesday.

In a release to the league, Shanahan said: “I would like to thank my family and all of the friends who have helped me achieve and maintain my childhood dream of playing in the National Hockey League. I am enormously grateful to all of my coaches and teammates I’ve had the privilege of learning from, and playing alongside of, throughout my career.”

At 40 years of age, Shanahan ends a career that features many highlights both on and off the ice. 23rd overall in points, he boasts three Stanley Cup rings and 656 career goals.

To start the season, Shanny was attempting to land a spot on the roster with the New Jersey Devils. Cut from training camp, the desire to play appeared to be strong but it was not to be.

Shanahan has many moments to look back on with fondness and he really was the type of player that all fans of hockey grew to love. Whether he was making a fool out of Patrick Roy with the famed “Statue of Liberty goal” or mocking the Ottawa Senators for riding exercise bikes during post-game interviews, his will be a legacy as entertaining as it is effective.

With 109 game-winning goals, Shanahan built a reputation for being one of the league’s fiercest clutch performers. He was a force to be reckoned with in the post-season, too, piling up 12 game-winners in the playoffs to go with his overall total of 134 playoff points.

It was his years with the Red Wings that will be remembered most, though, as Shanahan won his three Cups with the club and scored at least 30 goals in seven of his nine season in Detroit.

So what’s next for Shanny? Many pundits and players are thinking that he’ll continue to serve in some capacity in the NHLPA. Some have even slated him for a possible new executive director, while others see him as a tremendous candidate for a general manager. Regardless of Shanahan’s role, his impact on the game of hockey goes without saying and will doubtlessly continue as long as he’s invested in it in some capacity on or off the ice.

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

When you think of Theo Fleury, what comes to mind? It’s probably one of two images;

1. Theo Fleury sliding across the ice in Calgary on his knees after scoring a big playoff goal, waiving his arms…the little guy with the big heart!
2. Theo Fleury arguing emphatically with a coach or referee, in either a Rangers or Blackhawks uniform…the loose cannon, wondering what antics we will witness next (no, not Sean Avery…we’re talking about Theo Fleury).

…whichever image you just saw in your head, you can’t argue that he put up some very good numbers over what some would call a tarnished career.

So is Theoren Fleury worthy of being inducted into our sacred Hockey Hall of Fame? Let’s take a closer look at some of his numbers in comparison to some other Hall of Fame players.

Fleury played 1084 games totaling 455 (53rd all time) goals and 633 assists (64th all time) for 1088 points (56 all time). His points per game were 1.004 which puts him at 49th career all time… not exactly a slouch. If based on points per game, certainly better than some other Hall members (forwards). Cam Neely (the epitome of power forwards…respectfully), Glenn Anderson (although he has more cups), Joe Mullen, Maurice Richard, Bill Cowley, Jean Ratelle, Jaques Lemaire, Frank Mahovlich, Lanny McDonald…shall I continue? There are many more.

You could argue that many of these players brought more than simply “numbers” with their game, but you could also argue that Fleury played with one of the biggest hearts we ever witnessed.

Continuing with some other facts about his career;
• He played in 7 all-star games
• Was a 50 goal scorer in 90-91 (51)
• Was a 40 goal scorer 4 times in his career
• 39th all time in game winning goals (67)
• Had 35 career short handed goals (9th all time)

Oh yeah, and he was only 5 foot 6, 182 pounds!

Now we come to the issue of how he left the NHL after his brief stint in Chicago. Yes, he was unstable. Some might even call him a detriment to the league, an embarrassment or a liability. I can’t argue with some of those viewpoints, but knowing what we do now about his past, about the anguish he went through, can’t we call it a wash for his behavior we were witness to? I think it’s the least we could do!

Fleury hasn’t been the only player with substance abuse issues over his career (Fuhr…Hall of Fame member) and he made amends with the NHL and retired on good terms. He may not have been the greatest ambassador for the game toward the end, but should we let that ruin a stellar career? A career that gives hope to the little guy, especially in today’s NHL, where you can thrive even if you’re small in stature?

In my opinion, let the numbers speak for themselves. Fleury was a spirited hockey player. A blue collar, hard working player that came to work with his metal lunch box and left filthy from his efforts. Nobody questioned his work ethic and he succeeded in spite of everyone telling him that he was too small for the big game.

…I will always see image number 1

Posted By Pat Lynch

Prior to Colorado’s season opener against the San Jose Sharks, Joe Sakic was honoured in a ceremony that would see his #19 sweater hung in the rafters of the Pepsi Center. Sakic, never a fan of the spotlight, was the focus of the evening with a lengthy ceremony that looked back on his 20 years in the NHL.

Sakic’s jersey is just the third to be retired since the Avalanche relocated to Denver in 1995, joining Patrick Roy’s #33 and Ray Bourque’s #77.

With numerous ovations, a speech by Colorado team president Pierre Lacroix, and a pile of video highlights, Sakic’s career was honoured in style. Several former teammates came for the event, including Peter Forsberg and Pierre Turgeon.

Sakic enjoyed his moment in the spotlight, a long deserved one, and even offered up a few words in a speech.

Sakic leaves the game and the Avalanche among the NHL’s career scoring leaders, finishing eighth in points (1,641), 11th in assists (1,016) and 14th in goals (625). He guided the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup titles, won league MVP honours in 2001, and even won an Olympic gold medal as a member of Team Canada in 2002.

A shoe-in for the Hall of Fame, Sakic will be lifted up as the example for all young players. A man of character, passion and tremendous skill, his presence in the game of hockey will be missed.

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

It surprised few hockey fans when Mats Sundin announced his retirement. After a career spanning 18 years, the 38-year-old Swede made it official and hung up the skates.

He leaves a pretty solid career in his wake, what with a whole pile of accolades in Swedish hockey and a pretty decent run on the Toronto Maple Leafs as the club’s captain. Sundin is also one of the highest-scoring European players to ever lace the skates, notching 564 career goals alongside 785 assists.

Sundin is, without question, one of the most popular hockey players in Sweden. But his failure to deliver a Stanley Cup to the starving hockey market of Toronto coupled with a lackluster final season in Vancouver might tarnish his overall legacy in the hearts and minds of some fans.

Sure, one could argue that he won gold for his team at the 2006 Turin Olympics and that he was a captain on the men’s national team in Sweden. With three world championships under his belt and the honour of being the first European to be selected with the top pick at the NHL Entry Draft, Sundin certainly has racked up some milestones.

The real question for hockey fans now is whether or not the big Swede deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Obviously one of the key blemishes in Sundin’s career would be a lack of a Stanley Cup, but that didn’t get in the way of Dale Hawerchuk, who found his way into the HoF in 2001. And let’s keep in mind, too, that Sundin has scored more career goals that Hawerchuk (518).

Sundin is tied for 20th all-time in goals, 25th all-time in assists, and has spent his 18 seasons on Canadian teams. Does such a legacy make him a Hall of Famer or is his career too filled with shortcomings and blemishes to make the final cut?

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

Theoren Fleury has decided to retire as a Calgary Flame. He attempted a comeback with the Flames that dazzled many and inspired all, but it was not to be as the Flames released him on Friday from his tryout agreement.

At 41, Fleury was always going to be a risk to the Flames. After being released, he took the weekend to discuss matters with his family and friends, eventually coming to the decision to retire. At a news conference filled with emotion, Fleury made the announcement Monday.

“Today, after much debate with my family and friends, I am officially retiring from hockey,” said Fleury.

His return to the game after a six year absence was remarkable in and of itself and Fleury should be very proud of himself. He accomplished what a lot of other players could not have and looked energetic and swift on the ice. With four points in four pre-season games, many thought that he had a good chance of making the final cut. Alas, it was not to be and Fleury didn’t factor in to the Flames 2009-2010 plans.

“Thank you so much for all your support,” Fleury said, addressing Calgary’s fans. “How many athletes can leave the playing field to a standing ovation? Don’t be angry. We got to say one last goodbye. I want you to know I could not sign with another team. I get to retire as a Calgary Flame.”

And so, Theo Fleury heads off into the sunset. He has accomplished something incredible and will always be remembered as a Calgary Flame.

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

After a 17-year career in which he played in over 1,000 NHL games, defenceman Bret Hedican announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Hedican played on the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and also suited up for St. Louis, Vancouver, Florida and Anaheim. In 1,039 career regular season games, he had a total of 294 points, including 55 goals. In the post-season, Hedican notched 26 points in 108 playoff games.

Hedican will probably be best remembered for his tenure on the Hurricanes, as he was a key component to the Cup-winning team and to the squad that made the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002. He also helped the Canucks reach the Finals in 1994.

“I’m proud to have played this game for as long as I have and I’m leaving with no regrets,” Hedican said in a statement. “I want to thank all of the general managers who believed in me, the coaches who got the best out of me and all of my teammates who made me a better hockey player.”

If he had any regrets in his career, it was that he didn’t retire as a Hurricane. “The one thing I really am sad about is that I didn’t retire a Hurricane,” Hedican told Raleigh’s News and Observer. “I really wanted to. I wish it was possible to sign a one-day contract. I’d pay [general manager] Jimmy [Rutherford] to let me sign for a dollar and put the jersey on again.”

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

After two hip operations and a National Hockey League career that packed 12 different teams into a 17 year career, Mike Sillinger has decided to retire.

The 38-year-old journeyman spent three years with the New York Islanders, arguably enjoying the best years of his career with the hockey club. With 42 goals and 87 total points over the course of those three years, the Islanders will miss the rugged forward.

“It’s a big hole to fill,” Islanders general manager Garth Snow said. “Mike was good at many different things, whether it was putting the puck in the net or taking a faceoff.”

Drafted 11th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1989 draft, Sillinger finishes his NHL career with 240 goals and 308 assists in 1,049 games. Besides the Islanders and Red Wings, Sillinger also played for Anaheim, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Florida, Ottawa, Columbus, Phoenix, St. Louis and Nashville.

“The decision was clear to me after dealing with hip surgery the last two seasons, Sillinger said on Wednesday. “If I was to come back and be a hero I’d be getting a hip replacement before I’m 40.”

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

As one of only four American players to score more than 500 goals, Jeremy Roenick’s on-ice accomplishments are no joke. In a career that spanned 1,363 regular-season games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, he was a player that produced on the ice and always had something left over for reporters and fans after the game.

Roenick will go down in history as one of the game’s most animated and interesting players. Whether dancing for fans on the ice to disco during a stoppage in play at a Los Angeles pre-season game (YouTube it) or playing in a playoff game weeks removed from having a broken jaw, Roenick’s 20-year NHL career was entertaining from start to finish.

Roenick’s best years as a player probably came to an end in 2004 after he finished his tenure with the Flyers, but that doesn’t mean he stopped being a force to be reckoned with night in and night out. And that doesn’t mean he didn’t take every single chance he got on the ice seriously, either.

His best years came with the Chicago Blackhawks, as Roenick put up two 50-goal seasons and three 100-plus point campaigns. He played in nine all-star games, two Olympic tournaments, one Canada Cup and one World Cup. He retires as the league’s third-best American-born amasser of both goals (513) and points (1,216) and is the NHL’s 39th-best point-producer of all time.

Pretty impressive stuff.

While Roenick doesn’t have a Stanley Cup to his name and would have obviously loved to win one, that doesn’t mean his career is any less significant. Lots of other players retired without a Cup, such as Vancouver’s Trevor Linden, so Roenick’s accomplishments are in no way diminished.

The negativity towards Roenick, and there is quite a bit in some circles, largely lists his attitude as a problem. He often didn’t take coaches seriously, especially those he didn’t personally respect, and he sometimes received flack for, in all seriousness, enjoying himself too much. Roenick was a guy who didn’t play by the rules of conservative hockey culture; he didn’t silence himself or hold his tongue. He was, in many ways, the anti-Sakic.

While Sakic will doubtlessly be remembered as the greater player, the NHL always is at its best with a balance of players. Personality, like the one Roenick showed night in and night out, is a necessary component to pro sports no matter what the purists say. And while some might be cheering as Roenick hangs up his skates, I will miss him.

The National Hockey League was the richer for Jeremy Roenick.

Posted by Jordan Richardson.