Toronto Maple Leafs striker Jason Spca announced his retirement on Sunday after 19 seasons in the NHL.
Spezza will move to a position in the front office in Maple Leafs as a special assistant to General Manager Kyle Dubas.
The 38-year-old Speca ended his career by playing 1,248 games and scoring 363 goals plus 632 assists for 995 points in the regular season.
“I love hockey. From the age of three, I was lucky enough to live my dream and do what I have loved for so many years, “Speca said in a press release. “I eat, I sleep, I dream of hockey and it has always been there for me. There are too many people to thank individually, but I am forever grateful and indebted to the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Hockey Canada for their support and faith in me as a player and a person. To my teammates, coaches, support staff, coaches and equipment – heartfelt thanks for everything. During countless hours on the rink – whether on the ice or behind the scenes – I was so lucky that I forged lifelong friendships.
“Hockey was the work of my life and it was amazing to be able to go home to Toronto and end my career as a player where it started. For fans – in Ottawa, Dallas, Toronto and across the league – your impact on the game is immeasurable. I will never be able to repeat this feeling of stepping on the ice under the roar of the crowd, but it is something I will always remember. Thank you.
“Looking forward, I’m very grateful to Leafs for the incredible opportunity to move into this new role. This allows me to continue to follow my passion; to learn and experience new experiences in the game I love.
“Finally, none of this happens without the unwavering support of my parents, siblings, wife and children. You have always been my cornerstone.
Spca was selected second overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2001 and played 11 seasons with the franchise. He helped Ottawa reach the 2007 Stanley Cup final with 22 league-leading points and was captain during the 2013-14 campaign. Spca was changed to Dallas Stars in 2014, and then signed with his hometown of Maple Leafs in 2019.
Representing Canada on the international stage, Spezza won one silver and two bronze medals at the World Junior Championships, plus one gold and two silver medals at the Men’s World Championships. He also won the Spengler Cup for Canada in 2012.
“It’s hard to describe how long-lasting and positive the impact Jason Spca has had over his three seasons with Maple Leafs,” Dubas said in a press release. “Jason’s passion for hockey, his desire to constantly push himself and his teammates to improve, and his ability to build strong relationships with all members of the organization are invaluable.
“Although today marks the end of his tenure with us as a player, it is a pleasure for us to get him to join our front office to convey all he has to offer.”
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