Must See: Shane Doan’s heartfelt thank you and goodbye

In an exclusive letter to his fans and teammates, past and present, published this morning in the Arizona Republic, long-time Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan made it official: he’s retiring form the NHL

In the heartfelt letter Doan digs deep into his 21 year career and recounts his first moments in the NHL:

It was my first National Hockey League Game, Oct. 7, 1995, in Winnipeg with the Jets. One of my favorite parts of playing hockey is hearing the national anthems while standing on the blue line quietly as I think about the upcoming game, pray and say thanks. I’ll never forget this particular ritual, gazing up at the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and realizing, “I’m an NHLer.”

Doan also reflects on his first moments in Phoenix, the city that would become home for him and his family for the next two decades:

That first game as a Phoenix Coyote was exciting. We played against the San Jose Sharks in downtown Phoenix at America West Arena, and it was so fun. The crowd was right on top of you, and you could feel the emotion and energy in the building.

I could not fathom at the time that I would end up playing in Arizona for the next 21 years, raise a family and call this place home. But that’s exactly what happened.

Just to tied it all together Doan reflects on what was ultimately his final game in the NHL:

When the game ended, I remember thinking, “This is the last NHL game I’ll be on the ice looking up instead of looking down.” And even though my perspective will be different, my love for the NHL won’t change and I’ll continue to share that passion with the hockey fans in Arizona.

Finally, he offers up his thanks:

Thank you for loving the game with me.

Thank you for the unwavering support.

Thank you for fighting to keep the team here.

Thank you for allowing this to be my home.

And thank you for coming to spend a night with me playing hockey.

No Shane, thank YOU for pouring your heart and soul onto the ice every game for 21 years! The NHL and the Coyotes won’t be the same without you! Congratulations on an outstanding career!