Former Stanley Cup Champion forced to call it quits at just 33-years-old
The NHL is getting younger and younger every season. Players are starting to peak sooner and careers are coming to an end at younger ages. Today another player former 1st round pick joined the NHL alumni after announcing his retirement.
Michael Del Zotto was selected 20th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2008 NHL Draft. Del Zotto would make his NHL debut just a year later for the Rangers. Today however, Del Zotto made the announcement today via his Instagram that his career is in fact over.
Today is a bittersweet day. was fortunate enough to play 14 years of professional hockey. The blood, sweat, tears, broken bones, triumph, heartbreak and sacrifice were worth every second.
So were the many amazing relationships made along the way.
Teammates, staff members and fans were among those relationships, but the most meaningful were the ones shared with the kids I met at Ronald McDonald house during my time in Vancouver and those with the Garden of Dreams during my time in New York, especially Liam and Taylor.
As athletes, we can become consumed with each season, game period or shift, but hockey is just a game. These relationships often kept me in check and reminded me about what was most important in life. Having the opportunity to make a positive impact on others and give back to the community was the most rewarding part of my career. It is a role will continue to cherish.
Spending 14 years in a pressure-packed and heavily- scrutinized job feels like a lifetime in itself, one with plenty of highs and lows. I am proud of the life lessons learned along the way. have made many mistakes and have learned from them all. I never wanted to be just known as a hockey player. I want to be known as Michael Del Zotto, period. I am proud of who have become today.
None of this would have been possible without the unconditional love and support from my family. From the moment I put skates on at the age of 3 they were there to guide me and give me every opportunity to live out my dream. My accomplishments are just as much theirs as they are mine.
This version of myself is ready to take on the next chapter of life full steam ahead. I am ready to explore the world and be challenged in new ways. Most importantly, I am excited for more time with my family and the opportunity to make up for all the quality time l've missed.
So were the many amazing relationships made along the way.
Teammates, staff members and fans were among those relationships, but the most meaningful were the ones shared with the kids I met at Ronald McDonald house during my time in Vancouver and those with the Garden of Dreams during my time in New York, especially Liam and Taylor.
As athletes, we can become consumed with each season, game period or shift, but hockey is just a game. These relationships often kept me in check and reminded me about what was most important in life. Having the opportunity to make a positive impact on others and give back to the community was the most rewarding part of my career. It is a role will continue to cherish.
Spending 14 years in a pressure-packed and heavily- scrutinized job feels like a lifetime in itself, one with plenty of highs and lows. I am proud of the life lessons learned along the way. have made many mistakes and have learned from them all. I never wanted to be just known as a hockey player. I want to be known as Michael Del Zotto, period. I am proud of who have become today.
None of this would have been possible without the unconditional love and support from my family. From the moment I put skates on at the age of 3 they were there to guide me and give me every opportunity to live out my dream. My accomplishments are just as much theirs as they are mine.
This version of myself is ready to take on the next chapter of life full steam ahead. I am ready to explore the world and be challenged in new ways. Most importantly, I am excited for more time with my family and the opportunity to make up for all the quality time l've missed.
Del Zotto played 736 NHL games for the Rangers, Predators, Ducks, Flyers, Senators, Blues, Canucks and Blue Jackets. During his single season with the Blues the team managed to win the Stanley Cup. Congratulations on a great career.
| POLL | ||
Congratulations Michael Del Zotto | ||
| Congratulations Michael Del Zotto | 75 | 100 % |
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