Modano, considered by many as one of the greatest hockey players of all times, took to Twitter and Facebook this Wednesday to officially announce his retirement from the sport, adding that he would elaborate during a Friday news conference.

“After a long summer of thinking about my future, I’ve come to the decision that it’s time to retire as a player from the NHL… What a great ride it’s been!” the 41-year-old told fans on his Facebook page.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Modano played in 1,499 games, racking up 561 goals and 1,374 points in the process – all of which are NHL records for American-born players.

In addition to his scoring records, Mike Modano, a Michigan native who was selected by the Minnesota North Stars with the number 1 draft pick in 1988, won the Stanley Cup in 1999 and played in multiple Olympics -taking home a silver medal in the 2002 Winter games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Upon hearing official word of Modano’s retirement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement congratulating him on an outstanding career.

“We thank Mike for giving National Hockey League fans 21 years of thrills with his speed, his skill, his craftsmanship and his class,” Bettman said. “Mike also excelled on the international stage, representing the NHL and USA Hockey with great distinction.”

In honor of Mike Modano’s 21 year career, check out the following highlight video which captures some of his greatest moments in the NHL.
via ESPN

Mike Modano Retires After 21 Seasons in NHL is a post from: The Inquisitr

Currently the NHL has three franchises for sale. The Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars. Of course given the state of the economy these sales are tough, but several local problems have also hampered the progress of the sales of these three clubs. The Coyotes have been for sale for years, and the city council of Glendale, AZ is the major sticking point there. In Dallas, the sale is being held up due to the large number of creditors that must be pacified, and in St. Louis the sale of the Blues is being held up as ownership groups are considering making bids on the Stars.

We start in Phoenix where two groups are rumored to be interested in buying the team. One of those groups is likely headed by Jerry Reinsdorf (who owns the Chicago Bulls and White Sox). The hold up there is any new ownership group is going to want an opt out clause from the team’s current 30 year lease. Meaning they want out if the local populace cannot or will not support the team. So far the city of Glendale has been unwilling to grant a clause like that (and since they own the building and have shelled out millions to keep the team in town) we can understand why. However, they will likely have to do so. In the end it is not so bad, as any hint of success should bring in fans and local sponsors.

In Dallas, Tom Gaglardi is serious about buying the Stars, and he reported to be in New York working out deals with all of the creditors. His bid will likely get through and be overseen by a bankruptcy judge. There are a few other groups interested in the Stars and the Blues and it seems likely right now the Stars sale will happen first with whoever gets locked out of that moving on to the Blues. Gaglardi seems to have little interest in buying the Blues.

Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars sale update is a post from: The Inquisitr

With Mike Modano and Marty Turco moving on the Dallas Stars are looking to find their next young star. Gone is the two headed General Manger monster and in came Marc Crawford to be the head coach. They quietly went about their business last year, after dealing with one Sean Avery. For the most part they went under the radar last year and hovered around the .500 mark until suffering a few extended losing streaks. The big question on this team is how good is the defense, as they gave up the third most goals a year ago.

Now Crawford enters his second season behind the Stars bench and he has something in common with this fan base. Neither of them are known for their patience. Crawford short temper and volatility may be a hindrance on some teams, but the Stars are still have a roster full of veterans who should be respond to his approach.

Given the amount of goals this team gave up last year they need Goalie Kari Lehtonen be their breakout candidate. In three NHL seasons he has just 42 victories over a span of 106 games. Now that Turco is gone he will get a chance to prove to everyone that he capable of being an everyday goalie in this league.

Key Additions- G Andrew Raycroft, RW Adam Burish, and D Brad Lukowich

Key Subtractions- C Warren Peters, G Matt Climie, G Marty Turco, D Andrew Hutchinson, D Dan Jancevski, D Garrett Stafford, and C Mike Modano

Related Links:

• Joshua Lobdell.com

2010 Dallas Stars Preview is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Dallas Stars suffered a lot of injuries in the 2008-09 season, and they had the misfortune of having one Sean Avery on their roster until that exploded right in their face. After making the Conference finals the years before the Stars figured to remain among the elite teams in the NHL, however, after suffering most of last year without  their major stars, and the shaky goal play of goalie Marty Turrco, the Stars failed to make the playoffs last year. If they stay away from the injury bug they should be a playoff team in 2010.

Now the team has shifted old Co-General Managers Les Jackson and Brett Hull have been shuffled into other management positions, new GM Joe Niewendyke steps in to construct the on the ice portion of the team. Joe’s first move was to fire Head Coach Dave Trippett and hire Marc Crawford to take his place.

Since the team’s problems were injury related there wasn’t the usual purge of players that accompanies a new GM. In fact the Stars made precious few off season moves. They think that they are good enough to compete in the Western Conference should their players stay healthy in the coming NHL season.

Additions- G Alex Auld, F Warren Peters, D Karlis Skrastins, and D Jeff Woywitka

Subtractions- LW Steve Begin, RW Chris Conner, and F Brendan Morrison

2009-10 NHL preview: Dallas Stars is a post from: The Inquisitr