After one Stanley Cup championship, a Hart Trophy, two Art Ross Trophies, three Lady Byng Trophies and one Olympic Gold Medal, Martin St. Louis has decided to hang up his skates for good. The 40-year-old St. Louis announced his retirement Thursday, via the New York Rangers twitter feed.
OFFICIAL: Martin St. Louis announces retirement from the National Hockey League. #NYR pic.twitter.com/B8PKD7xqZz
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 2, 2015
St. Louis released a statement, via ESPN's Craig Custance, accompanying the move...
"I have been blessed to play for 16 years in the NHL; it has been an amazing ride. I would like to thank the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers organizations and owners for providing me the opportunity to play the sport I love for so many years. I could have never played for so long or accomplished all that I have without the unwavering love and support from my wife, Heather, our three sons, Ryan, Lucas, and Mason, and my parents.
"I have had the good fortune of working with some incredible players and trainers throughout my career who I am grateful to also call good friends. I am also thankful to all of the fans who have supporter me through the years; it has meant so much to me. I have dedicated my life to being the best play I could be and now want to turn more of my focus to my three boys. I look forward to this next chapter of my life and the time I will have with my family."
The diminutive St. Louis was a one-of-a-kind player due to his size, which he overcame via incredible hockey sense, tireless effort and immense finishing skill. HNGN passed along a report earlier this week that St. Louis, unsure of the free agent landscape and what, if any, teams would have interest in his services, was waiting for the opening of the NHL's 2015-16 free agent period to make a determination on his hockey future.
Along with the accolades mentioned above, St. Louis also amassed 392 goals, 642 assists, 1,033 points, 29 short-handed goals and 101 power play goals in 1,134-career NHL games.
