Joe Sakic has called it quits as an NHL player.
JOE SAKIC. COLORADO CAPTAIN
The Colorado Avalanche captain announced his retirement on Thursday after a stellar professional career.
"After having the privilege of playing for 20 years, I'm leaving the game of hockey with nothing but great memories and a sense of accomplishment," said Sakic in a statement.
"The game has given me more than I ever dreamed of, and for that I am truly grateful."
He and the Avalanche have called a press conference at 3 p.m. ET to discuss the decision.
Sakic hasn't played much in the last two seasons because of injury, but was still one of 46 players invited by Steve Yzerman, executive director of the Canadian men's Olympic team, to attend an orientation camp in Calgary from Aug. 24 to 27.
It remains to be seen whether Sakic will still attend the camp.
The man called Burnaby Joe and Super Joe leaves quite a legacy in his wake. He has two Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe award (in 1996) and a Hart Trophy (2001). He has also been voted to the All-Star Game 13 times, appearing in 12.
The 40-year-old has 1,641 points in 1,378 games over 20 NHL seasons — all with one franchise, as he's been with the Nordiques/Avalanche since he was drafted 15th overall by Quebec in 1987, and acted as team captain for the last 16 years.
When playoff time came around, Sakic thrived. He has the NHL record for most overtime goals, with eight, and is tied for seventh in career playoff points (188).
And let's not forget the 2002 Olympics.
The sight of Sakic streaking in on Mike Richter to score the fifth Canadian goal, sealing the team's victory over the United States in the gold medal game, has become the defining moment of the tournament. He had four points in that contest and was named the tournament's most valuable player.
The Burnaby, B.C., native also won gold in the 1988 world juniors, the 1994 world championship and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
JOE SAKIC. COLORADO CAPTAIN
The Colorado Avalanche captain announced his retirement on Thursday after a stellar professional career.
"After having the privilege of playing for 20 years, I'm leaving the game of hockey with nothing but great memories and a sense of accomplishment," said Sakic in a statement.
"The game has given me more than I ever dreamed of, and for that I am truly grateful."
He and the Avalanche have called a press conference at 3 p.m. ET to discuss the decision.
Sakic hasn't played much in the last two seasons because of injury, but was still one of 46 players invited by Steve Yzerman, executive director of the Canadian men's Olympic team, to attend an orientation camp in Calgary from Aug. 24 to 27.
It remains to be seen whether Sakic will still attend the camp.
The man called Burnaby Joe and Super Joe leaves quite a legacy in his wake. He has two Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe award (in 1996) and a Hart Trophy (2001). He has also been voted to the All-Star Game 13 times, appearing in 12.
The 40-year-old has 1,641 points in 1,378 games over 20 NHL seasons — all with one franchise, as he's been with the Nordiques/Avalanche since he was drafted 15th overall by Quebec in 1987, and acted as team captain for the last 16 years.
When playoff time came around, Sakic thrived. He has the NHL record for most overtime goals, with eight, and is tied for seventh in career playoff points (188).
And let's not forget the 2002 Olympics.
The sight of Sakic streaking in on Mike Richter to score the fifth Canadian goal, sealing the team's victory over the United States in the gold medal game, has become the defining moment of the tournament. He had four points in that contest and was named the tournament's most valuable player.
The Burnaby, B.C., native also won gold in the 1988 world juniors, the 1994 world championship and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
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