Roenick reportedly set to hang up skates

Jul 4, 2007, 21:50 GMT

Philadelphia, PA - Phoenix Coyotes center Jeremy Roenick, one of the greatest American ice hockey players in the history of the sport, is ready to end his 18-year career, a Philadelphia newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Roenick text messaged in to the paper, 'I'm retiring; is that still news?', referring to the long-held speculation that last season, in which he tallied only 11 goals, marked his finale as an NHL player.

The 37-year-old Roenick, a nine-time all-star, totaled 495 career goals, ranking third all-time among American-born players, behind only Mike Modano (507) and Joey Mullen (502). He also had 675 assists, good for 1,170 career points while logging time with the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings, and finally with the Coyotes.

Known just as much for his outgoing and often over-the-top personality as he was for his ability, Roenick was also a two-time Olympian for the U.S.

Despite all of his on-ice accomplishments, Roenick retires without reaching the pinnacle of the sport. He reached the Stanley Cup Finals only once, in 1992, when his Blackhawks were swept out by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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