NHL Legend Mike Modano to retire as member of long time team Dallas Stars -NHL News Update
Mike Modano, one of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) most celebrated American players, announced his retirement earlier this week, but having played for Detroit Red Wings last season, he will be retiring as a member of his long time team, Dallas Stars.
It might seem awkward to end a career with another team instead of the one that a player appeared with last, but for the ice hockey world, whenever a die-hard fan thinks about the Dallas Stars franchise, Mike Modano is the first one to pop into mind.
Former teammate and currently general manager of Dallas Stars, Joe Nieuwendyk, certainly believes that retiring with a Dallas jersey on is the best possible way Modano could end his 21 season long historic career.
"Mike Modano will always be the face of this franchise. He means so much to our organization and all of our fans", said Joe Nieuwendyk. "We wanted to give him the opportunity to retire as a Dallas Star. Mike has given his heart and soul to this game for
over 30 years. On behalf of the entire organization and the National Hockey League, we would like to thank him for his dedication".
Having a Stanley Cup championship under his belt along with 1,374 point (561 goals, 813 assists) record in 1,499 games played, Modano will be retiring as the best American born player in the league’s history.
"Simply the best Dallas Star to ever put on the jersey", Current Stars centre, Steve Ott, said.
Being with the franchise when it relocated from Minnesota as the North Stars to Dallas, Modano became the face of the franchise and with his lightning fast speed and marvellous playing abilities, ending it with the team just seems right.
Even legendary players like Wayne Gretzky praise Modano for his natural ability to play and conquer the game. Current players continue on using him as a model for success, but not have him in the league anymore will surely take time to get used to.
At 41-years-old and having signed a one-day deal with Dallas to retire his no.9 jersey, Mike Modano is ready to go down in history as a true orthodox hockey player that changed the image of the sport forever.
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