Brett Hull, the third-leading scorer in NHL history, announced his retirement on Saturday, effective immediately.
"I had so much fun coming to the rink day after day," he said at a news conference, his voice choking with emotion.
"I wish no one had to do this because it's so hard, it's hard because you never think you're going to grow older and be unable to live up to the expectations you set for yourself. I just thank everyone who ever touched my life in the game."
PHOTO: AP
The 41-year-old Hull had to stop to gain control of his emotions.
Hull had 741 goals and 650 assists in the former Minnesota-Duluth star's long NHL career with Calgary, St. Louis, Dallas, Detroit and Phoenix.
He won Stanley Cup titles in 1999 with Dallas and 2002 with Detroit. In 1999, he scored a controversial goal in the third overtime to give the Stars a 2-1 victory over Buffalo in the series-ending sixth game.
Hull played in nine All-Star games. He was the league MVP in 1991 and MVP of the playoffs in 1992.
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