Scott Niedermayer Hockey Hall of Famer Retires After a Glorious 18-year NHL Career
Scott Niedermayer announced his retirement at age 36 on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, after 18 Glorious seasons in the National Hockey league. Scott’s accomplishments include, winning four Stanley Cups, two Olympic Gold Medals, a world Championship, World Cup and a World Junior title, the only hockey player in history to have won every major North American and international Championship in his career, Anaheim Ducks Captain, defenseman and future Hall of Famer.
It was a deeply moving and emotional moment for fans, friends and family and in particular for Scott, ending a Hockey career spanning 18 years, starting in 1991.
Scott began by thanking friends he found in his years playing Hockey, recognizing the opportunities that playing the sport provided him. He thanked all those who supported him throughout his career, a long list that would seem to name everyone he came to know in his years playing Hockey, as expected from the ever humble Scott.
As he drew closer to the end of his speech, his emotions overtook him. Thanking his family for the support they gave him through his ‘demanding schedule’, Scott could no longer hold back his tears. Taking a moment to compose himself, saying at that moment that he didn’t think he would do this. Scott went on to show appreciation for the efforts and strength of his wife and ended the address with an apt “Thank you very much.”
Ducks General Manager Bob Murray spoke a few words on the occasion. He said that Scott “far exceeded” expectations and that it wasn’t just the remarkable statistics he can boast of but his attitude and commitment that made him a true “winner.”
“As a teammate, he was kind of a quiet and unassuming guy who didn't have a whole lot to say,” fellow defenseman Chris Progner said adding that this perception would be inaccurate and that Scott was in fact a “very thoughtful and interesting guy.”
This is his second time retiring after he took a step back from the game three years ago only to return a few months later. “I understand why players would come back after missing it for awhile” Scott said. “Today, I’m 100 percent committed to retiring and not playing professional hockey again.” Scott intends to stay with the team as a consultant but was adamant that he did not plan a comeback to the sport. He said his decision was “real this time.”
Scott would have to wait four years to be inducted into the Hall of fame. There is little doubt however that his name would be up there with the legends of the sport. His accomplishments speak for themselves and his trophy case couldn’t hold more. Most would agree that his place in the hall of fame is a given and only a matter of time.
Scott’s career was truly remarkable and his contribution to the sport irreplaceable. He has 172 goals and 568 assists in an 18-year NHL career. Scott was defenseman, but also uniquely skilled offensive player. He was awarded the “Rookie of the Year” title with 11 goals and 40 points in his first season. For most of his career, Scott played for the New Jersey Devils, joining the Anaheim Ducks in the final 5 years of his career. In his time with them, Scott led the ducks to their first ever Stanley Cup Championship. In those five years with the Anaheim Ducks, Niedermayer had more goals, assists and points of any defenseman that had ever played for the team.
There is no replacing Niedermayer. He had a powerful presence in the arena. He commanded the flow of any game. His teammates followed his energy. He controlled the pace of the game, slowing it down or putting speeding into it, inspiring his team as a true leader.
“We thank and congratulate Scotty on a tremendous career, one that is certainly Hall of Fame worthy." We couldn’t agree more Bob.
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