Two-time Stanley Cup champion officially announces his retirement

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Mike Armenti
September 10, 2023 (3:12 PM)

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A 37-year-old NHL veteran has opted to hang up his skates and announce his NHL retirement on Sunday, following a career that spanned 16 seasons, over 1000 career NHL games and a pair of Stanley Cups.

Andrew Ladd issued a statement on Sunday, via his personal social media accounts, providing many thanks to those who helped make his dream a reality. Here's what the long-time NHLer had to say about his decision:

"The time has come for my next chapter. When I was a kid I never thought I had a chance to make a living playing hockey. There was my love for the game. I loved being a part of a team, I loved competing, I loved the next chance to win, I loved the challenge, I loved the escape of immersing myself in the moment, I loved the feeling of belonging, I loved the confidence it gave me, I loved to prove people wrong. As I reflect on the journey, the 1001 games, the 2 Stanley Cups, the opportunity to captain a Canadian city, what I'm most grateful for is the people." Part of Ladd's statement said.

He went on to thank the teams he spent his time with, "The Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes for allowing me to represent your organization and cities. Friends in all those places who gave my family and I community. The fans who are the fuel of our game and created so many amazing moment like the 1st game back in the Peg, the anthem at the madhouse, and standing for an entire game 7 in Carolina. Your energy and passion created those moment."

Ladd originally made his NHL debut back in 2005-06, winning his first career Stanley Cup in his rookie season with the Carolina Hurricanes. Ladd won a second Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, also spending time with the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes over the course of his decorated career. He put up a very respectable 550 points (256 goals, 294 assists), 615 penalty minutes and was a plus-20 in 1,001 career regular season games.

The Maple Ridge, British Columbia native has been dealing with some issues with his knee over the last several years, which included three surgeries.

We'd like to wish Ladd and his family the all the best in his retirement and congratulate him on a solid NHL career.