In April 2010, Mike Modano told us he wasn't sure if he was ready to retire. He sure felt like it, he said: "At this point, on this day, I can make the decision: I'm done." But, of course, he wasn't: After a tear-stained farewell to the American Airlines Center crowd, the lifelong Dallas Star moved on to Detroit, where he would spend most of his single season as a Red Wing sidelined with a horrific hand injury.
But now, at last, he will retire. This was posted moments ago to his Facebook page:
After a long summer of thinking about my future, I've come to the decision that it's time to retire as a player from the NHL. There's way too many people to thank here at this time and too much to say, so I have a press conference scheduled for early Friday afternoon. Check back Friday late afternoon for more. What a great ride it's been!Says the greatest American-born player ever to skate in the National Hockey League.
Update at 2:28 p.m.: The Dallas Stars send this statement from GM Joe Nieuwendyk:
"Mike Modano was an incredible player and an icon in our sport. He was invaluable in helping sell the game of hockey in Dallas. Mike is the face of our franchise, and I think it is safe to say that no one else will wear No. 9 for the Dallas Stars. We wish him all the best."Also, per the team: Modano's retirement press conference will take place Friday at 1 p.m. It will be streamed live on the team's website.
