After a fourteen year professional career, highlighted by a Stanley Cup in 2012 and Olympic Gold in 2002, Canadian winger Simon Gagné today announced his retirement from hockey, after playing just 23 games with Boston in the 2014-15 NHL season.

Gagné, a first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1998, spent all but three of his professional years in Philly, with short stints as well in Tampa Bay, Los Angeles and Boston. Gagné one of the most dependable wingers in the game, retires as a two-time All Star, along with winning a Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012. However, a long list of injuries long hampered his career, particularly in his final years in the NHL. Gagné retires with 291 goals and 601 points in 822 career games, along with 37 goals and 59 points in 109 career playoff games.

Internationally, Gagné was also a dependable mid-line winger for Team Canada, first suiting up in the red and white at the 1999 World Juniors. Gagné won Gold with Canada at his first senior tournament at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, where the image of his game-ending embrace of goalie Martin Brodeur has entered the annals of Canadian hockey history. Gagné also captured Gold with Canada at the 2004 World Cup, along with a silver medal at his only World Championships in 2005. Gagné last dressed for Canada at the 2006 Olympics in Turin.

As part of that historic Gold Medal squad in 2002, Gagné won his first IHLC in the Semifinals from Belarus, carrying the title to the Gold medal victory. Gagné would win the IHLC three more times, as part of Canada’s unbeaten run at the 2004 World Cup, as well as twice in 2005, once prior to the World Championships and again during the tournament. We wish Simon and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: Canadian Olympic Team – IIHF – HHOF – IOC