Posted on 10/15/2005 6:45:41 PM PDT by nypokerface
Brett Hull has called it a career after 18 NHL seasons.
"I am very proud of what I have accomplished in my career, but at 41, I felt that it was time to move on," the Phoenix Coyotes right-winger said at a press conference on Saturday night. "I love the game of hockey and I appreciate everything the game has given to me and my family."
The third all-time scorer in NHL history, Hull first discussed retiring with Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky and GM Mike Barnett after Thursday night's 5-4 loss to the Nashville Predators.
With one assist in five games this season, Hull decided that enough was enough and told Barnett and Gretzky Saturday morning that he wanted to walk away from the game.
Only Gretzky (894) and Gordie Howe (801) have scored more goals than Hull (741).
The son of Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, Brett was drafted in the sixth round by the Calgary Flames in 1984 and played 18 seasons in the NHL for Calgary, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings before signing with Phoenix last August.
After being traded by the Flames to the Blues he became one of the most dangerous snipers in the NHL, scoring more than 50 goals in five consecutive seasons with St. Louis from 1989 to 1994.
A nine-time all star, Hull led the NHL in goals for three consecutive seasons beginning in 1989-90. He also posted the third-highest single-season goal total in NHL history with 86 during the 1990-91 season, the same year he won the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP.
Hull was a clutch player in the post-season, scoring 103 goals in 202 playoff games, including the Stanley Cup-clincher for Dallas against the Buffalo Sabres in 1999.
He also won a Stanley Cup ring with Detroit in 2002.
Aside from a brilliant NHL career, Hull distinguished himself in international hockey, helping the U.S. upset Canada to win the inaugural World Cup of Hockey in 1996. Hull was also a key member of the American team that won silver at the 2002 Salt Lake Games.
Although born in Belleville, Ont., Hull decided to play for the U.S. internationally.
In 1,264 NHL games, Hull amassed 741 goals and 649 assists for 1,390 points and is expected to join his legendary father in the Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible.
Thanks for the memories Brett. (I figured I would tweak the Sabres fans one last time)
bump
Congratulations on a wonderful career, Brett Hull! You made this Blues fan happy as a kid.
Right.... NO GOAL!
Professional wrestler?
Close.
You da man!
He took it pretty hard - but at least he didn't weep openly!
He was a class act.
As a liftime Blues fan, I have to tell ya . . .it was always fun to watch when Brett played here!
Let's make that lifetime, not liftime. (Darn cat walking back and forth in front of me!
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Brett Hull |
Bret Hart |
The summer that Dollar Bill Wirtz didn't sign Brett for the Hawks, is the year I gave up my season tickets.
Right there with ya IT WAS A GOAL,IT WAS A BACKWARDS LATERAL.GO STARS LOVE YA BRETT THANKS.SAW 600 12-31-99
I admired Hull because he could have played either for Canada or for the US internationally, and he chose to play for the US.
ooppppssssss...do I need to repeat myself? lol
Lots of memories ping.
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