Gritty defenceman Scott Hannan today announced his retirement from the San Jose Sharks, after a 16 year NHL career with Colorado, Washington, Calgary and Nashville.

Drafted by the Sharks in 1997 to bolster their faltering blueline, Hannan spent his first eight seasons in San Jose, notching his only All Star Game appearance in 2004. After signing with the Avalanche in 2007, and spending short stints with Washington, Calgary and Nashville, Hannan was resigned to the Sharks in 2013, spending his final three NHL seasons at the Shark Tank, crossing the 1000 game threshold in 2014.

Internationally, Hannan was brought on to help shore up the Canadian defence corps of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey team, which would go on an undefeated run to win Canada’s first gold since 1991. Hannan’s performance gave him a return invite for the 2005 World Championships, considered the only true “open” Worlds due to the NHL lockout, where he helped Canada win silver.

Hannan won his first IHLC in an exhibition game just prior to the 2004 World Cup, winning another seven straight en route to Canada’s title, and again won two different IHLC titles at the 2005 Vienna Worlds. We wish Scott and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: Getty – IIHF – HHOF – IOC