Sun, Jan 18, 2004 - Page 24 News List

Phil Housley hangs up skates following high-flying career

, ST. MARY'S POINT, MINNESOTA AND DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Phil Housley, the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history, retired Friday after failing to sign with a team this season.

The 39-year-old defenseman had 1,232 points on 338 goals and 894 assists in 1,495 games in 21 seasons with Buffalo, Winnipeg, St. Louis, Calgary, New Jersey, Washington, Chicago and Toronto.

The former South St. Paul High School star had hoped to finish his career with the hometown Minnesota Wild.

"They're going in the direction they think is best for the organization, and I respect that," Housley said. "The longer I waited, the less I wanted to play again, and the more I was seeing how much fun I'm having with my family right now."

Housley, who jumped straight from high school to the NHL with the Sabres, helped the US win the silver medal in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

"I was able to score the winning goal against Russia. I haven't had a bigger thrill in hockey than that," Housley said.

Redwings 3, Coyotes 3

Steve Yzerman became the seventh NHL player to reach 1,700 points Friday and Henrik Zetterberg scored with 1:44 left in regulation to give the Detroit Redwings a 3-3 tie with the Phoenix Coyotes.

"It's a nice number," Yzerman said. "But I don't know, I've played a long time, and things gradually add up over the years."

Yzerman assisted on Kris Draper's goal that tied it at 1-1 early in the second period. The Detroit captain has 672 goals and 1,028 assists in 1,417 regular-season games, all with the Red Wings.

Flyers 4, Maple Leafs 1

In Philadelphia, Keith Primeau scored an early goal in his return to the ice as Philadelphia downed Toronto.

Primeau, out since breaking his thumb in the team's last win Jan. 2, helped the Flyers snap a six-game winless streak (0-4-1-1).

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