In front of a packed XI Center, former NHL'er and current Hartford Wolf Pack defenseman Keith Yandle announced his retirement.
The National Hockey League consecutive games played record holder of 989 games tearfully skated to center ice to the overwhelming applause of Hartford fans to say good-bye from professional hockey.
"When that's all you know in your life, to call it quits on it, to call it an end, it's nerve-wracking," said Yandle. "You're worried about what you're going to do.
"The last couple weeks, I've been at ease with it. Really enjoyed spending time with the family who attended all our games the past few weeks. I think for me, I'm really at ease with it and looking forward to the next chapter of my life."
Yandle has played in every game for the Wolf Pack this season and if that is not incredible enough, he scored 12 goals and had 42 assists.
“I enjoyed playing with these kids. Watching them grow as men and hockey players is rewarding.”
The Wolf Pack has played above expectations this year and with two games to go have a chance to make the playoffs. “If that is the case,” Yandle told the fans, “my career will last a little longer.”
But the New York Rangers may have something to say about Yandel’s retirement plans.
General Manger Michael Stafford has announced that the Rangers plan to promote Yandle to the big club for the BEARD Hockey Playoffs.
“It is all up to Keith and the Wolf Pack," said Stafford. "Either way, we are proud to have Yandle as part of our organization and to have him skate in his last professional game at Madison Square Garden would be amazing.
"We would love to say good-bye to Keith and to show the future Hockey Hall-of-Famer our appreciation in a way that only Ranger fans can do.”