Veteran Mike Sillinger Retires from Hockey

After a lengthy 17 years in the NHL, Mike Sillinger is calling it quits. Sillinger announced his retirement on Wednesday, saying his hip injury was the main reason for his decision.

Sillinger was drafted 11th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, he was a top prospect in juniors scoring 53 goals and 131 points in his second WHL season. Sillinger struggled to have the same success in the NHL as he did as a junior player; he was traded nine times and played for 12 different teams during his career.

“To play the sport of hockey, something I’ve had a passion for all my life, at the professional level for the past 17 years and to be able to support my family has been a dream come true,” said Sillinger during the announcement.

Sillinger was the definition of hard worker; he was able to play 17 NHL seasons with mediocre talent. His best season came in 2005-06 where he netted 22 goals, 19 assists with the St. Louis Blues and 10 goals, 12 assists with the Nashville Predators for a total 63 points in 79 games played.

Sillinger holds the NHL record for most teams played on. During his 17 seasons he played for the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, and New York Islanders

Sillinger is from Regina, Saskatchewan, he has a wife and three sons, and they plan on remaining in Regina following his retirement.