After 13 seasons, including his first 11 with the New York Rangers, two-year Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi retired from the NHL, he announced Friday.
"I would like to thank all my coaches, family, friends and teammates for supporting me throughout my entire hockey career," Girardi said in a statement released Friday by the Lightning. "I want to thank the New York Rangers for giving me a chance to fulfill my childhood dream of playing in the NHL. Throughout those 11 incredible years I have made so many friends on and off the ice. I bled Ranger blue and gave it my all for my team, the city and the Garden faithful. I also want to thank the Tampa Bay Lightning for helping me continue my career by giving me a chance to play for such an amazing organization, city and fan base. The last two years in Tampa Bay have been so much fun for me and my family. I will always fondly remember my time here. Finally, I want to thank my wife Pamela for always being there for me and holding down the fort and to Landon and Shaye for always being daddy's No. 1 fans.
"I gave my all every single night and left it all out on the ice. Now it's time for the next chapter of my life to begin and I couldn't be happier ... and so is my body."
Dan Girardi has announced his retirement.
- Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) September 20, 2019
This will get ya. (via @NYRangers) pic.twitter.com/5OgtBf1VRp
Girardi, 35, logged 927 games throughout his NHL career, highlighted by all-82 seasons five times with the Rangers.
He scored 46 goals in New York, recording 230 points.
Since the NHL started to track blocked shots during the 2005-06 season, no player has recorded more than Girardi, whose 1,954 total lead the way.
