TSN is reporting that, effective Thursday, the NHL will be without one of its all-time greats. Avalanche captain Joe Sakic is apparently going to retire at a press conference on July 9th.
The Avalanche have called a news conference for Thursday at 3pm et/12pm pt, where according to local reports they will announce Sakic’s retirement.
The Burnaby, B.C. native would leave the game as one of the most decorated athletes to ever take to the ice. Sakic hoisted two Stanley Cups, participated in 13 NHL All-Star games, and was named tournament MVP for Canada’s gold medal winning team in the 2002 Olympics.
Sakic played his entire career for the Quebec/Colorado franchise, and served as their captain since 1992, after being drafted 15th overall by the Nordiques in the 1987 NHL Entry draft.
Sakic was certainly a treat to watch. A no nonsense type forward with sublime skills and a laser beam wrist shot, he made the Nordiques respectable and made the Avalanche champions. A fine international record also adorned Sakic’s mantle. Denver, and the hockey world as a whole, will certainly miss Burnaby Joe.
