Swedish goalie Tommy Salo, a two-time NHL all-star, said Thursday he is retiring from hockey.
Salo, one of Sweden's most successful goalkeepers with 10 NHL seasons behind him and a 1994 Olympic gold, said he's quitting because of aching hips and dwindling motivation.
"It's been a fantastic time," Salo said in Ornskoldsvik, where he played for MoDo this past season. "I only have positive memories."
"I no longer have the right motivation," he said.
MoDo, which is without superstar Peter Forsberg, was eliminated by Farjestad in Game Six of the quarterfinals on Monday. Forsberg suffered a concussion earlier this season.
Salo, who recently turned 34, still had one year left on his contract with MoDo, but said lingering hip problems were also part of the reason he's retiring.
"That's something that's followed me practically throughout my whole career, and something I've learned to live with," Salo said. "But the problems and the pains haven't exactly gotten better with time."
Salo had the starring role in some of Swedish hockey's best -- and worst -- moments. He became a national hero after helping Sweden beat Canada in a penalty shootout in 1994 Olympic final at Lillehammer, Norway, making a spectacular kick save on Paul Kariya's last penalty shot.
However, he was vilified among Swedish fans after a mistake in the 2000 Olympic quarterfinals against Belarus in Salt Lake City, Utah.
With only minutes left in the game, Salo fumbled a seemingly harmless slapshot from near mid-ice, letting the puck bounce off his shoulders and into the net, giving Belarus a 4-3 win and Sweden one of the most stunning sports upsets it has experienced.
The Swedish media ridiculed Salo and many fans never forgave him for the mistake. During the past season in the Swedish Elite League, Salo was frequently reminded of the goal by taunting fans at away games.
Salo, who played 106 games for Sweden, spent most of his NHL career with the New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers.
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