Following a charity game held in his hometown of Krasnoyarsk, Russian forward Alexander Syomin’s career is officially over, wrapping after 19 pro seasons in both the United States and Russia, a Gagarin Cup title and two World Championship Gold medals.

Syomin made his pro debut in 2002 with Lada Togliatti, spending just one season in Russia before joining the Washington Capitals in 2003, who drafted him 13th overall the previous year. Syomin would return to Russia during the 2004-05 NHL strike, staying for two years between Lada and Khimik Mytishchi, before returning to Washington in 2006, spending six seasons with the Capitals. Due to another lockout, Syomin spent part of the 2012-13 season with Torpedo Nizhny Novogrod before joining the Carolina Hurricanes, where he would spend two and a half seasons. After attempting a comeback with the Montréal Canadiens in 2015, Syomin would return to Russia for good, joining Metallurg Magnitogorsk during their 2016 Gagarin Cup championship season. Syomin would join his hometown Sokol Krasnoyarsk of the VHL while pursuing a metallurgy degree, but would return to the KHL in 2018 with Vityaz Podolsk, where he would spend his final three pro seasons, serving as captain for the final two. Syomin retires with 517 points in 650 career NHL games over 11 seasons, along with another 159 points in 242 career KHL games over six seasons.

First joining the national team with the Under-18 squad in 2002, Syomin debuted with the senior team at the 2003 World Championship, a year before making his lone World Junior appearance. Syomin would play at six World Championships (2003, 2005-06, 2008, 2010, 2012), winning Gold in 2008 and 2012, along with Silver in 2010 and Bronze in 2005. Syomin would also suit up for both the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Olympics, and made his final international appearance on the 2015-16 Euro Hockey Tour.

Over his career, Syomin won the IHLC three times – first in 2005 on the Euro Hockey Tour, then at the World Championships in 2008 and 2012, the latter being in the Gold Medal Game. We wish Alexander and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: Yahoo! Sports – IIHF – HHOF – IOC