Colorado Avalanche announces retirement of legend Peter Forsberg before season-opening game
Colorado Avalanche made two big announcements on Thursday, one which involved the re-signing of two defensive players, Ryan O’Byrne and Matt Hunwick, and the second about retiring legendary player, Peter Forsberg’s, number 21 jersey during the season's inaugurating
game against Detroit Red Wings on October 8, at home.
The first announcement might not have surprised fans, but the second one certainly did.
Forsberg, one of the greatest Swedish players to have graced the ice had been drafted as the sixth overall pick of the 1991 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Drafts by Philadelphia Flyers.
He later on joined Quebec Nordiques during the 1994-1995 season then shifted to Colorado Avalanche the following season only to play eight seasons with the team.
From 2005 to 2007, the Ornskoldsvik, Sweden native played two seasons with his original draft team, including 17 games with Nashville Predators.
The now 37-year-old returned to Colorado during the 2007-2008 season and called it quits from hockey after playing only nine games with the team, but continued his passion for ice hockey with the Swedish MODO hockey league.
Throughout his career, Forsberg had problems with his foot due to a chronic ailment and went back and forth between games and surgeries.
He attempted a comeback during last season but called it off after only two games in February due to the continuing foot related problems.
It was certainly an emotional moment for him back when he made the announcement on February 15, 2011.
"One thing is for sure: I won't be able to second-guess myself. I really tried — and I tried and I tried". said Forsberg, seated next to his fiancee, Nicole Nordin, at a news conference at the Pepsi Center.
Throughout his 14 season career, Forsberg participated in 708 NHL games for a total of 885 points, 249 goals and 636 assists.
It was during his two-game performance last season that Forsberg ended a season for the first time in a minus rating.
Forsberg joins a list of legendary players that have retired including Ray Bourque, Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy.
The ceremony before game-one in October will surely be a spectacular event which will retire one of the league's greatest players ever.
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