The news, announced while the Blackhawks were on the ice at Fifth Third Arena, came as a surprise to longtime teammates Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith -- both of whom sent well wishes to 'Crow' and his family in life after hockey.
"Unbelievable player," Kane said. "Obviously a big part of our championships here, big part of the organization here for the past 10 or 15 years and great guy to be around. Always seemed to be in a good mood, always competed in practice, which as a player you appreciate. I feel like he helped me get better just in practice. Still feel that he's playing at a really high level going back to last year in the playoffs and I just wish him all the best. We'll have conversations and talk to him, but sometimes there are bigger things in life than hockey and wish him all the best in the future."
"Obviously I'm happy for him in the sense that he made that decision and I think he's excited. I haven't spoken to him, but I'm sure there's a few mixed emotions there," Keith said. "I can't say enough good things about 'Crow' and the teammate that he was. Everybody knows what he was able to do for us in net, especially during those playoff runs and the last several years here being the backbone of our team. He was always a great teammate and one of those guys you never had to worry about. He was always ready to play in those big games. We miss him around here but all the best to him and his family in the next chapter of his life."
