Former Oiler emotionally announces retirement while on the ice
Photo credit: NHL
As Chicago Blackhawks took the ice for today's game against the St. Louis Blues, former Oiler Patrick Maroon emotionally announced his retirement in an interview on the ice.
The Blackhawks veteran enforcer is in the final year of his contract paying him $1.3M, and it was quite likely he wouldn't be re-signed for next season.
Pat Maroon emotionally announces retirement at center ice
The Blackhawks were visiting the St. Louis Blues for the final time this season, the hometown of Patrick Maroon. When asked to reflect on his incredible 840 game career, Maroon got choked up and has to hold back tears while giving his answer.
It's going to be an emotional night for me tonight. Obviously we all know what's going to happen, but, I accomplished everything in my career that I never would have thought. Bet against all the odds, everyone doubted me, like you said - I'm 840 [games] in.
It's tough. Sometimes you got to give up everything you know and everything you've dreamed of your whole life. I just know it's time for me and my family to go and start a new chapter in our lives.
This is all I know, Panger. So, it's tough. It's hard to go through things like this, you can't really process it. It's best for me and my family to go start a new chapter.
It's tough. Sometimes you got to give up everything you know and everything you've dreamed of your whole life. I just know it's time for me and my family to go and start a new chapter in our lives.
This is all I know, Panger. So, it's tough. It's hard to go through things like this, you can't really process it. It's best for me and my family to go start a new chapter.
Maroon was clearly getting emotional while reflecting on his career, and moving forward in life without hockey - it must be a real tough transition for someone who has played the game their entire life.
The 36 year old enforcer really has defied the odds with his impressive 840 game career.
He was never the best player, but Maroon worked to be an intimidating physical player and a great locker room presence on every team he played for. Beginning his career as a 6th round pick, that's a great outcome.
Maroon's best year by far came with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2016-17 season. Paired on a line with Connor McDavid, Maroon banked 27 goals and 42 points. Other players have struggled to score with McDavid, so Maroon does deserve some real credit for that year.
It's a truly impressive career for a player who worked incredibly hard to extend his career to 840 games and counting. We wish him the best in life after hockey.
| POLL | ||
MARS 22 | 363 ANSWERS Former Oiler emotionally announces retirement while on the ice Do you think Patrick Maroon was a good Oiler? | ||
| Yes, loved him | 325 | 89.5 % |
| Not a fan | 38 | 10.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
