Three-time Stanley Cup winning defenseman Brian Rafalski has decided to call it a career after 11 seasons in the NHL.
After beginning his pro career in Europe, Rafalski spent seven years with the New Jersey Devils before playing his last four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Injuries and other issues, including family life, prompted the 37-year-old native of Dearborn, Michigan to make the decision.
“The decision was made about two months ago, with my wife, weighing different factors in our lives,” Rafalski said at a Wednesday press conference. “With hockey not being at the top, it was time to move on. [My] son being a freshman in high school next year was a big factor.”
Rafalski helped Detroit to the 2008 Stanley Cup title after winning the championship with the Devils in 2000 and 2003.
“I was able to play for two world class organizations,” Rafalski added. “The staffs at both places were excellent.”
Over 833 career games with the Devils and Red Wings, Rafalski compiled 79 goals and 436 assists. He notched four goals and 44 assists for 48 points in a career-low 63 games this past season.
“There wasn’t a day this year I wasn’t on a training table,” Rafalski stated when asked about injuries. “It played a factor. It made me adjust how I played the game this year, but I’m still standing here and that’s a good thing.”
A two-time All-Star selection, Rafalski won two Olympic silver medals with Team USA at Salt Lake City (2002) and Vancouver (2010). Before joining the Devils for the 1999-2000 season, he played professionally in Sweden and Finland after a collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin.
“Brian is a quality individual, whose character, commitment, work ethic, and team-first attitude made him the player and person he is,” said Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello. “We were fortunate to have him in a Devils’ sweater for seven seasons, including two Stanley Cup championships. We wish Brian, Felicity, and their three sons well as they move on to the next chapter in their lives.”
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