Doan a picture of stability for Coyotes
While the Coyotes franchise epitomized volatility for years, Shane Doan was the one pillar of stability over more than two decades.
Doan announced his retirement Wednesday morning, less than three months after the NHL club decided not to offer the 40-yearold a contract for the 2017-18 season.
The Alberta native, who played his entire 21-season career with the Arizona Coyotes, is the franchise leader in games played, goals, assists, points, power-play goals and game-winning markers. He was drafted seventh overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1995, playing one season in the Manitoba capital before the team shuffled off to the desert.
Instability has plagued the franchise with ownership and relocation troubles lingering in the background. But the Coyotes could always count on Doan, who was among the longest-serving captains in NHL history after taking over from Teppo Numminen in 2003. A two-time all star, Doan scored at least 20 goals in 13 seasons and topped 50 points 11 times with a career high of 78 points in the 2007-08 season. He won the King Clancy Memorial trophy for leadership on and off the ice in 2010 and the Mark Messier Leadership award in 2012.
“Shane had an incredible career on the ice and we are very proud of everything that he accomplished in a Coyotes uniform. He will be remembered as one of the greatest captains in NHL history,” the Coyotes said in a statement.
“Off the ice, Shane was a great ambassador for growing the game of hockey in Arizona and his contributions to the community are immeasurable. Shane will be a Coyote for life. Thank you Captain!”
Doan announced his decision to retire in an Arizona newspaper.
He recalled the excitement of his first NHL game on Oct. 7, 1995 - he had two assists - and said he “probably” knew that April 8, 2017 would be his last NHL game.
“I felt an indescribable wave of emotion to have the support that I’ve had over the years from the fans throughout all of the uncertainty,” Doan wrote in the Arizona Republic. “You have always defended me and supported me. Playing in front of you has honestly been one of the greatest experiences of my life.”