Star forward retires after 17 seasons in the NHL.

The last years of his career were tumultuous ones but veteran forward Vincent Lecavalier will be remembered by most as a star in the National Hockey League. 

On Tuesday the veteran of over 1200 NHL games announced that he was calling it a career via an official statement on the Kings website:

As I publicly announced at the time I was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, the 2015/16 season would be my last in the NHL.  I recently informed the Kings that I am stepping away from the game and will no longer play professional hockey.  It is my desire and intention to retire.

Hockey has provided me so much in my lifetime but requires an incredible commitment.  It is now time for me to devote more time to my family.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who have helped me along the way and shared this journey with me.   First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, my wife, Caroline, my brother Philippe, sister Genevieve and my entire family.  I could not have accomplished anything without your love and support.  Thank you to the Tampa Bay Lightning for drafting me and providing me the opportunity to embark on my NHL career.  I will never forget winning the Cup together in 2004, and the incredible support from Lightning fans.  To the LA Kings, thank you for providing me the opportunity to finish my career on a positive note.  To the coaches who have developed me and challenged me - you made me a better player and person.  To my agent, Kent Hughes, thank you for all your efforts and support throughout my career.  

Hockey is the greatest team sport in the world.  There is nothing like sharing a locker room with your teammates and competing together day in and day out.  I have made lifelong friends and I’d like to thank them for making this an unforgettable journey…. Thank you.

Lecavalier spent the first 14 seasons of his career as a core member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, eventually going on to win a Stanley Cup Championship with that organization in 2004, before being traded to the Phialdelphia where he spent two full seasons with the Flyers before being dealt to Los Angeles during the 2015-2016 season.

He ends his impressive NHL run with 1212 games under his belt, and 421 goals and 528 assists for an impressive 949 career points.

We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.

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