Mike Modano Retires After 21 Seasons in NHL

After spending 21 years in the NHL, longtime Dallas Stars forward Mike Modano is hanging up his skates for good.

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