Calling it a career
Two-time Stanley Cup winner Brad Richards announces his retirement from the NHL.
Brad Richards is hanging up the skates a happy man. The 35-year-old Murray Harbour native announced his retirement Wednesday after a 1,126-game NHL career and two Stanley Cup victories. “I’m happy, relieved and moved onto the next chapter,” Richards said.
In a June interview Richards said he wasn’t sure what his future would hold. He was a free agent after his only season in Detroit and was waiting to see how he felt on July 1, when he could sign with a team. Opportunities presented themselves, but Richards was willing to walk away after 15 seasons and a long list of accomplishments.
“I just didn’t feel like moving the family around and doing that stuff any more. If I’m not all in, there’s no sense trying to play,” he said. “I can play with my kids and have fun with my family now and see what the next chapter brings.” Richards is still unsure exactly what that will be. He wants to take a few months before determining the next step of his career, but he has always said he’d like to stay in the game.
Richards and his wife, Rechelle, have a one-year-old son Luca and are expecting their second child in the fall. Richards said the family would be heading to Australia for the winter to explore Rechelle’s homeland. He said there were many emotional conversations with his parents, Delite and Glen, as he pondered his future. About three weeks ago he made the decision he was done playing, and he sounded at peace with the decision on Wednesday.
“This isn’t the day I retired, it’s the day it’s announced,” Richards said. “I’m on full vacation mode.” He accomplished a lot in the game and took time to thank each franchise he played for and their staffs. There were many things said on Wednesday about Richards. People described him as classy numerous times while some said he was the best, or one of the best, hockey players ever from Prince Edward Island. Richards doesn’t get caught up much in that. He is comfortable with what he accomplished in the game and will leave the debates to others.