Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf will retire from professional hockey at the end of this season, the California team announced Tuesday.
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“I just want to say how grateful and blessed I am to have been able to live my dream and play the sport that I love. Not everyone is so lucky and I realize how lucky I was,” Getzlaf said emotionally at a press conference.
Before the speech of the 36-year-old man, his parents delivered poignant testimonies, those who made the trip to Saskatchewan.
The center player also warmly thanked his parents for the values they passed on to him. He also had very good words for his brother Chris, who played as a wide receiver for many seasons in the Canadian Football League.
Getzlaf played his entire National League (NHL) career with the Ducks and won the Stanley Cup in 2007. He threaded the needle 282 times in the season, amassing 1,013 points in 1,150 contests.
“Team spirit, being in the arena and fighting for the win with the guys, that’s what I’ll miss the most,” Getzlaf said, suppressing a sob.
The veteran will bid farewell to the Honda Center crowd on March 24 in a game against the St. Louis Blues. The Ducks will complete the regular schedule with two games abroad before logically finding themselves on vacation, because a participation in the playoffs seems utopian.
A special teammate
Getzlaf also took the time to extend a big thank you to my former teammate Corey Perry, who couldn’t attend because he is currently playing with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Both forwards were drafted together in the first round of the 2003 amateur auction and have played 14 campaigns together.
“I also want to thank one teammate in particular. Perry, you’ve been my best friend this whole thing. We started together and I would have liked to end with you, but our job is what it is. I just want to say thank you for everything you have done for me and for what we have been through. You are an inspiration.”
Congratulations came from all quarters to highlight Getzlaf’s brilliant career. His former teammate Teemu Selanne also welcomed him to the other side of the fence.
“Congratulations Getzy. A superb career worthy of the Hall of Fame my friend, wrote the Finn on his Twitter account. Many people are proud and happy for you. You can be very proud of yourself. Welcome to the retirement camp, I think you will enjoy it.
Selanne and Getzlaf were teammates with the Ducks from 2006 to 2014. The Finn was one of the future retiree’s assistant captains during the first four years of his reign.