A Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Champions real reasoning for quitting on the team has been revealed
Photo credit: NHL
A sudden announcement of retirement for a Chicago Blackhawks defenseman caught many off guard, and the true reasoning behind his retirement has been revealed.
Blackhawks forward Patrick Maroon announced his retirement just last month, and a fellow teammate of the organization is now following suit.
37-year old three-time Stanley Cup Champion Alec Martinez suddenly revealed before the Blackhawks' previous game that it would be his last in the NHL, calling it quits after Saturday's contest against the Winnipeg Jets.
But according to a report, he is not retiring because he wants to.
Martinez has been sidelined for a long-period of time due to a hip injury, and at the age of 37, it appears he does not want to risk his full-time job of being a dad by putting his health on the line for another season.
«You're going to make me tear up. I've got to get ready for a game but obviously a lot of different emotions today. Just very thankful, very appreciative. I have a lot of people, my family, a lot of people who helped me along the way in this game to get here.
Just I suppose I'll have more time to reflect in the coming weeks, but just very thankful, very appreciative of a lot of different things and a lot of different people.»
Just I suppose I'll have more time to reflect in the coming weeks, but just very thankful, very appreciative of a lot of different things and a lot of different people.»
Martinez signed a one-year $4M deal with the Chicago Blackhawks this past off-season, and has recorded 12 points in 44-games played.
The aging defenseman stated it has been a privledge to play in the NHL for so long, and despite an odd retirement video tribute by the Blackhawks during his final game, he is still thankful to have been able to be a mentor for the youth of the organization.
«It's a privilege to play in this league and to have played for (16) years, I never thought I was ever going to do that and I think a lot of other people didn't think I was going to, either. But grateful and thankful for having the opportunity for all the people along the way that help you get there. I've been fortunate to have a few really good opportunities to thank them and tonight will be another one.»
Martinez has played in 862 career games, winning three Stanley Cups while accumulating 88 goals and 289 points throughout that span.
Happy retirement, Alec!
Previously on HawksInsider
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AVRIL 13 | 1538 ANSWERS A Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Champions real reasoning for quitting on the team has been revealed Do you think this Chicago Blackhawks veteran that's quitting the NHL will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame one day? | ||
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