Vincent Damphousse Retires

[Humpzilla]

TORONTO – Vincent Damphousse, a 18-year veteran with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks announced his retirement today from the National Hockey League.

Damphousse, 37, a 4-time NHL All-Star (1991, 1992, 2001 (DNP due to injury), 2002) appeared in a total of 1,378 NHL games and has recorded 432 goals, 773 assists for 1,205 points.

“I want to thank my coaches, fans, media and especially my teammates for 18 great years in the NHL. I loved getting up every morning and heading to the rink, and I will miss being in the dressing room with the guys, however I’m looking forward to the next stage of my life,” said Damphousse.

After being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1986 (1st choice, 6th overall), Damphousse played five seasons with the Leafs before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers on September 19, 1991. On August 27, 1992 Damphousse was traded to the Montreal Canadiens.

The highlight of Damphousse’s career came during his first season in Montreal when he helped the Canadiens win their 24th Stanley Cup in 1992-93 in front of family and friends. Damphousse had a team high 23 points in 20 playoff games. In that championship season, Damphousse scored a career high 97 regular season points.

After 6½ seasons in Montreal, Damphousse was dealt at the trade deadline to the San Jose Sharks on March 23, 1999. Vincent played 5½ seasons in San Jose and helped lead the team to the Western Conference final in 2003-04.

“Vincent played the game with great passion and intensity every time he stepped on the ice,” said former teammate and good friend Brian Savage. “It was beneficial for me and many others to break into the league and learn from Vinny how to be a professional both on and off the ice.”

Damphousse served as Vice-President of the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) from 2002 to 2005 and has been very active in the communities he played in throughout his career.

[jkidd]

Vincent Damphousse Retires

Vincent Damphousse, an 18-year veteran with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks, announced his retirement today from the National Hockey League.

Damphousse, 37, selected to play in four NHL All-Star Games (1991, 1992, 2001, 2002), appeared in a total of 1,378 NHL contests and recorded 432 goals and 773 assists for 1,205 points.

“I want to thank my coaches, fans, media and especially my teammates for 18 great years in the NHL,” said Damphousse. “I loved getting up every morning and heading to the rink, and I will miss being in the dressing room with the guys, however I’m looking forward to the next stage of my life.”

After being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1986 (1st choice, 6th overall), Damphousse played five seasons with the Leafs before being moved to the Edmonton Oilers on September 19, 1991. On August 27, 1992 Damphousse was traded to the Montreal Canadiens.

The highlight of Damphousse’s career came during his first season in Montreal when he helped the Canadiens win their 24th Stanley Cup in 1992-93 in front of family and friends. Damphousse had a team high 23 points in 20 playoff games. In that championship season, Damphousse scored a career high 97 regular season points.

After six and a half seasons in Montreal, Damphousse was dealt at the trade deadline to the San Jose Sharks on March 23, 1999. He played 5 ½ seasons in San Jose and helped lead the team to the Western Conference final in 2003-04.


link to SJ story

[jkidd]

I personally thought this guy had more to give, but i guess he felt it was time to move on with his career. At least he didnt wait for it to be too late to retire.