Dominik Hasek, one of the most intimidating and unusual goaltenders in the history of the game, retired Monday, June 9, 2008, after an outstanding NHL and international career.
Hasek, 43, made the announcement at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, five days after winning his second Stanley Cup as a member of the Red Wings. While he has announced his retirement before, the goaltender said this time, it's final.
"It's about motivation," said Hasek. "I'm glad I can make my decision. I'm not ready to compete [anymore] on the highest level."
Born in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia, Hasek won six Vezina Trophies as the NHL's top goaltender, two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player and an Olympic gold medal with the Czech Republic at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
Hasek posted a 389-223-82 record overall with Buffalo, Detroit and Ottawa, with 81 shutouts and a career goals against average of 2.20. He is tied for sixth in shutouts and 10th in wins.
The numbers are made even more impressive by the fact Hasek didn't come to North America until seven years after he was drafted, not gaining a foothold as an NHL starter until age 28.
"He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer," Detroit general manager Ken Holland said." And one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game."
Hasek's career didn't quite end the way he envisioned, even with the championship.
Struggled in playoffs
After an impressive regular season, Hasek struggled in the team's first-round games in Nashville, and Chris Osgood replaced him in Game 4. Osgood played every minute the rest of the way.
Tags: press conference Dominik Hašek HASEK Czech ice hockey goalie nhl detroit red wings 2008 retirement
