Aug 14, 2007, 17:30 GMT
Peterborough, ON - Phoenix Coyotes center Mike Ricci announced his retirement Monday, ending his 16-year career in the NHL, according to a Canadian newspaper
Ricci, 35, made the announcement during the a charity golf tournament in Peterborough, Ontario, on Monday, and the story was reported in Tuesday's Peterborough Examiner. Ricci played only seven games last season before sitting out, and eventually being placed on injured reserve due to a lingering neck injury.
The 6-foot, 200-pound Ricci suffered a neck injury during the previous offseason. He underwent surgery to repair the injury in June and after rehab, was finally cleared to play in November.
Ricci then played in only seven games before missing 10 straight with stiffness in his neck. He registered just one assist on the year.
In the 2005-6 season, Ricci played 78 games with the Coyotes, collecting 10 goals and six assists for 16 points. A first-round selection, taken fourth overall by Philadelphia in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, Ricci also logged ice time with Quebec/Colorado and San Jose. Ricci has recorded 243 goals and 361 assists for 604 points with 970 penalty minutes in 1,099 games.
Ricci plans on taking a job with the San Jose Sharks this winter, possibly in a player development role, according to the story.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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