NHL veteran Ales Hemsky announced his retirement from professional hockey. The 36-year old last played an NHL game in 2017-18 when he suited up for the Montreal Canadiens. The news was announced Friday morning.
With Ales Hemsky announcing his retirement from pro hockey, we want to extend well wishes & a big congrats on a great career to a beloved member of the #Oilers for 11 seasons.
Enjoy what life brings you next, Hemmer! 🧡 pic.twitter.com/VfHh4n0nmP
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 15, 2020
Ales Hemsky Retires
During his last season in the NHL, Hemsky suited up in seven games for the bleu, blanc et rouge. During that time, he had zero points while putting up 10 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 49.5 Corsi For and a relative Corsi of -3.2.
During his 10-year NHL career, Hemsky suited up for the Edmonton Oilers, the Ottawa Senators, the Dallas Stars and the Montreal Canadiens. In 845 NHL games played, he scored 174 goals and added 398 assists for 572 career points to go along with 353 minutes in penalties. He was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, 13th overall in the 2001 NHL draft.
Hemsky also represented his native Czech Republic many times on international ice. In the 2002 World Juniors, he scored three goals and added six assists for nine points in seven games played. While playing in the Olympics in 2014, he scored three goals and added an assist for four points in five games played.
How Hemsky Will Be Remembered
During his prime, Hemsky was a very productive player for the Oilers. His career year came in 2008-09 where he put up 66 points in 72 games played. He always did the little things right and all of his coaches loved him.
Hemsky was an all-around great player. With great vision, he was able to create time and space for his teammates and could find them in the blink of an eye. He was also more than capable of putting the puck in the back of the net. With a wicked shot, Hemsky found the back of the twine on numerous occasions. He could deceive goalies and then rip one top corner. His career was certainly a momentous one and we all wish him the best in his retirement.
Main Photo:
NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 07: Ales Hemsky #83 of the Edmonton Oilers in action against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 7, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Oilers 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
