"While the Chicago Blackhawks are trying to plan out their roster for next year, one fan favourite has decided to hang them up. Two time Stanley Cup champion Kris Versteeg has decided to retire. The 33 year old tried to take on a mentor role while playing with the Rockford IceHogs this past year but felt guilty about taking away younger players ice time and headed over to Europe. Versteeg had two incredible game winners during his first Stanley Cup run with the Hawks and scored goals at Wrigley Field and at Soldier Field (2009 NHL Winter Classic and 2014 NHL Stadium Series games, respectively).Now he'll be putting an end to his pro hockey career. Check out Versteeg's announcement below:«What a run it was. A kid from North Lethbridge who played on the streets every day, dreaming of playing in the NHL. I took a lot for granted in my time in the NHL. But the one thing I never took for granted were the relationships I made with my teammates and staff of the hockey clubs I played for. A bunch of people have made huge impacts on my life. There was one guy who took a kid with a different personality and a massive chip on his shoulder and helped give him hope, and that was Scott Gordon. Dale Tallon also took a chance on me and gave me multiple opportunities throughout my career. I know I wasn't always the easiest to deal with. Without people like Scott and Dale, the road to today would not be what it was.«Thanks to my agent Dave Kaye, and my finance advisor Chris Moynes for the last 15 years. Thank you to every organization I was able to play for. I didn't realize it then, but I certainly appreciate now how amazing it was to play in the NHL. I want to thank the Chicago Blackhawks' entire organization, from top to bottom, especially including the fans. The 2010 Championship was the highlight of my career. I also want to thank Brad Treliving for letting me come home to finish my NHL career. As a person and a GM, he made a huge impact on me.«My grandparents Morris and Joanne helped pay for skates and equipment, while feeding us when we couldn't afford it. They are my real heroes for keeping me and my brothers in the rinks and off the streets. I'm both nervous and excited for what comes next. I have a wife who has supported me endlessly, two boys and a daughter who all have their journeys ahead of them, and I'm excited to see where those might lead. Lastly, a special thanks to my Mom and Dad. I could thank you guys for a thousand things, but it all leads back to saying thank you for the hockey stick. It may be going on the rack, but the endless amount of amazing memories it gave our entire family will be etched in our minds forever.»
"
