Canadian defensive stalwart Dan Boyle, who spent the last two seasons in New York after illustrious tenures in Tampa and San Jose, today retired as a member of the Sharks, signing a one-day contract to end his career at the age of 40.

Boyle, a product of Miami University in the NCAA, joined the Florida Panthers in 1998 after going undrafted, spending parts of three seasons with the organization before being traded to Tampa Bay in 2002. It was with the Lightning where Boyle emerged as a strong two-way defender, spending six seasons in Tampa, winning the Stanley Cup in 2004. Boyle was part of a blockbuster trade to the Sharks in 2008, where he would play in two All Star Games (2009 and 2011) and served as assistant captain. Spending his final two years in New York, injuries would hamper his performance, racking up just 44 points over two seasons.

Boyle only suited up with the maple leaf on his chest twice in his career, but both for strong Canadian squads. Boyle first joined Team Canada during the 2005 lockout season, playing on the World Championship team that would win Silver in Vienna. Boyle was then added as a defender at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, where his six points in seven games helped Canada to their thrilling overtime Gold Medal win over Team USA.

Boyle won his first IHLC in the lead-up to the 2005 World Championships, winning the title once more during the tournament, and a final time in the Olympic Semifinals in 2010. We wish Dan and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: RCI – IIHF – HHOF – IOC