George Parros, a hard-working fan favorite during his nine seasons in the NHL, announced his retirement from the League on Friday.
"It's been an honor to play in the greatest League in the world," Parros told the NHL Players' Association. "Thanks to the organizations I've had the good fortune to play for, especially to the Samueli and Molson families," Parros said, mentioning the owners of the Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens, respectively. "I've had the most amazing support from all of the fans who have supported my many endeavors throughout my career; for that I am eternally grateful. A final thank you to my parents Jim and Lynne, my wife Tiffany and my children who have made this dream of mine a reality."
Parros, 34, was picked by the Los Angeles Kings in the eighth round (No. 222) of the 1999 NHL Draft. He had 18 goals, 36 points and 1,092 penalty minutes in 474 regular-season games with the Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Ducks, Florida Panthers and Canadiens.
His best run was six seasons in Anaheim. He was part of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2007, and he was respected by teammates and fans for his determined toughness.
He also was well-known for his trademark mustache. The Ducks team store even sold "George Parros Mustaches," with all proceeds going to charity.
Prior to playing in the NHL he spent four seasons at Princeton University. He was named captain his senior year, 2002-03. An economics major, he was named by The Sporting News as one of the sport's smartest athletes.
The 6-foot-5, 232-pound forward was born in Washington, Pa., but excelled as a high school player in New Jersey. He had 31 goals and 52 points for Delbarton School in Morristown in 1997-98 to help Delbarton reach the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Non-Public final. He was inducted into the New Jersey High School Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.
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