After 17 seasons in the National Hockey League, 36-year-old forward Vincent Lecavalier has announced his retirement from the League. In his 17 NHL seasons, Lecavalier spent 14 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, two and a half with the Philadelphia Flyers, and one half (This past season) with the Los Angeles Kings.
Vincent Lecavalier Announces Retirement
The Lightning drafted Lecavalier first overall in the 1998 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Over the course of his 14 seasons spent in Tampa, he would become Captain twice, win the Stanley Cup in 2004, break the 30-goals scored barrier five times, record a 52 goal season, and more. Lecavalier would go on to win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2007, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2008, and the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2008. He made the NHL Second All-Star Team in 2008, and played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2003, 2007, 2008, and 2009. As for International awards, Lecavalier won the World Cup of Hockey in 2004, where he was also named Most Valuable Player and to the World Cup of Hockey All-Star Team.
Statement
In January of this year, after being traded by the Flyers to the Kings, Lecavalier said that he would indeed retire. Below is his statement made Tuesday…
“As I publicly announced at the time I was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, the 2015/16 season would be my last in the NHL. I recently informed the Kings that I am stepping away from the game and will no longer play professional hockey. It is my desire and intention to retire.
Hockey has provided me so much in my lifetime but requires an incredible commitment. It is now time for me to devote more time to my family.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who have helped me along the way and shared this journey with me. First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, my wife, Caroline, my brother Philippe, sister Genevieve and my entire family. I could not have accomplished anything without your love and support. Thank you to the Tampa Bay Lightning for drafting me and providing me the opportunity to embark on my NHL career. I will never forget winning the Cup together in 2004, and the incredible support from Lightning fans. To the LA Kings, thank you for providing me the opportunity to finish my career on a positive note. To the coaches who have developed me and challenged me – you made me a better player and person. To my agent, Kent Hughes, thank you for all your efforts and support throughout my career.
Hockey is the greatest team sport in the world. There is nothing like sharing a locker room with your teammates and competing together day in and day out. I have made lifelong friends and I’d like to thank them for making this an unforgettable journey…. Thank you”
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