After 16 seasons, I've decided to hang up my skates for good and announce my retirement from the National Hockey League.
I knew going into the 2020-21 season there was a possibility it was going to be my final year playing hockey. I don't know if my mind was really made up at any one point during the season or offseason. I was very fluid and very flexible, dependent on how my body felt, what worked for me and what was right for my family. Ultimately, I've come to the realization that father time is undefeated, and I knew after 16 years my body wasn't ready for a 17th.
After being traded to the Lightning in 2015, my family and I fell in love with living in Tampa and being a part of such a great community and team. It felt very natural for us to continue to live in Tampa after my playing career. When people ask me what I enjoy so much about Tampa, the obvious answer is the weather, but it really goes much deeper than that. It's the people that live here, from neighbors, friends, and adopted family that have shown my family such kindness and love. My children Rory and Blair have basically grown up here, and I'm thankful I get to raise them in such a great place. My wife Nadine and I are also proud to continue to support amazing local organizations like The Spring of Tampa Bay, which has been at the forefront of creating change and educating the community about domestic violence while protecting survivors of domestic violence. We have also involved ourselves with the Humane Society of Tampa and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
Prior to being traded to the Lightning, I really didn't know much about the group I was about to join. They had previously appeared to me to be a talented hardworking young team, but after spending a few practices and games in the fold, it became clear to me this group was a true Cup contender. In 2015, we came within two wins of cementing ourselves as Champions, but this playoff loss, and other equally painful playoff experiences over the next five years, made being a part of the 2020 Stanley Cup team even sweeter. That Cup-winning team overcame many different and unusual situations I'm grateful I get to be forever bonded to. Seeing the team go back to the Cup Final and win again last season was a mix of emotions for me because I was part of a great Islanders team that had battled hard all playoffs, and it's never easy coming up short. Still, I'm very proud of my former teammates. I know the hard work and the sacrifices they made to reach the pinnacle of the hockey world.
My focus as I transition to retirement is centered around my family. I'm looking forward to just being around them more. Both of my kids play hockey and helping them and their teams is something I'm excited about doing. Tampa and the surrounding areas have developed many fantastic minor hockey programs for boys and girls. I love being around the game, talking about the game and just being a part of the action, so I'll always stay involved.
I was very lucky I was a member of some great teams, and as a player you always have a feeling of wanting more. Sixteen Cups in 16 years would have been nice. Still, I leave the game very satisfied with what I was able to accomplish. Growing up in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, I never dreamed of going to even half the places hockey has taken me. I'm thankful to so many people at many different stages of my career that helped guide and nurture my game, whether it was coaches, trainers, or teammates that selflessly took me under their wing early in my professional journey. Those friendships and experiences are invaluable and are what I treasure the most about my career. Being in the locker room and having 20-plus brothers in the grind, night in night out is what I think I will miss most about retirement. I'm also going to miss the fans. There is no bigger honour than being able to play this game. Hockey fans' energy and enthusiasm is hard to describe, but if I had to it's like a constant emotional rush that's contagious. They make our game great, and I look forward to joining them on the other side of the glass.
