After nearly two full decades as a part of the NHL family, diminutive forward Daniel Briere has decided to call it a career. Briere, who joined the league as a member of the then-Phoenix Coyotes and most recently operated as a member of the Colorado Avalanche, announced his retirement, via a self-penned statement in Canada's La Presse, on Monday.
"I spent the last days talking with my family. Before the news spread, I want to share with everyone in my home region, who have accompanied me throughout my career.
"I played my last game in the National Hockey League. The time has come for me to announce my retirement."
While he said nothing is set, Briere, who will remain in the Philadelphia area with his children, also indicated that he may "get involved" with the Flyers organization and as the franchise treated him well, would be "proud to maintain a role."
Briere, 37, overcame ample odds to make a name and place for himself at the professional level. At just 5-foot-9, 174-pounds, his size and health were always questions. And yet, in the season's biggest moments, Briere always seemed to find a way to shine.
Briere will finish his NHL career with 307 goals, 389 assists, 106 power play goals and 973 regular season games played. In 10 postseason appearances, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Flyers in 2009-10, Briere amassed 53 playoff goals, 63 assists and 21 power play goals in 124 games.
Briere, most well-known for his long stints with the Buffalo Sabres and Flyers, indicated in his statement announcing his decision that the idea for retirement had been in the back of his mind for some time. Last year in Colorado Briere appeared in just 57 games, netting only eight goals and four assists. While Briere was struggling through a difficult season in Denver, his family was over 1,800 miles away in Philadelphia. After spending time with them this offseason, he decided being away from them was not something he wished to again endure.
Despite his evaporating ice time with the Avalanche, Briere maintains that is not a factor in his decision, instead pointing to his desire to spend more time with his three boys.
"Caelan 17 years old. He began his senior year in high school. Carson will celebrate 16 years next month. Cameron is 14 years old. For him, the secondary begins.
"I want to be more present to help them in their studies. I want to show them the right path. Sometimes when parental supervision is not optimal, human nature pushes young people to seek easier paths. To cheat. It is important that I come home to this.
"I also want to get more involved in their sport. They will play every three hockey this season.
"By being more present, I can show them simple things. I can for example inculcate good eating habits and good training methods. These are things that will accompany them to the end of their days.
"These are things that my parents made for me."
