Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf will retire from professional hockey at the end of this campaign, the Californian team announced on Tuesday.
Getzlaf, who was to explain further the reasons for his decision during a press conference in the afternoon, won the Stanley Cup in the spring of 2007 with the only formation for which he played in the National League (NHL). Since his debut in 2005-06, he has threaded the needle 282 times this season, amassing 1,013 points in 1,150 contests.
“It has been an honor to play in the NHL and spend my professional career with one organization,” he said in a statement. None of this would have been possible without my family, who have offered me their unwavering love and support every step of the way. Thank you to our owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, for leading a committed dealership to success and, more importantly, making a positive impact on our community and those who need it most.”
The 36-year-old 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.