Hull Shocks NHL and Retires

Brett Hull, in a shocking move, has decided to retire the NHL right after receiving the number 9 from the organization that used to employ his legendary dad.

Of course, that organization used to be the Jets, but the Coyotes wanted to have their own leagcy with their own Hull. Now, they won't get that chance. Hull told the press that he wanted to play for his buddy Wayne Gretzky as a favor.

I guess he never really said for how long. He saw the writing on the wall this season when the 41 year old found his ice time getting lowered.

"There's an old expression, and I don't know who said it -- "The mind is willing but the body isn't," Hull said.

Hull left the game appreciative of what the league has given him.

"I don't care what anyone says," he said, "it's the best sport there is."

[Via: Yahoo! Sports & TSN.ca]

Hull doesn't *bleeping* care what you think...

In this TSN Article, the report is that Brett Hull is upset with his status as a bench warmer.

Of course, Hull is no spring chicken and this will likely be his last international competition. He probably wanted to go out in style and have fun, but instead finding himself benched for the win over Slovakia and most likely benched for the next World Cup tournament game.

I dunno who wrote the article, but... perhaps they were talking about his entire international team career and not just this tournament. This article was certainly writen to gain Hull's sympathy.

The article goes on to describe a confrontation with reporters outside the X-cell Energy Center in Minnesota. He decided to storm out of practice and threw a couple of curse words at the press and fans.

"Got a minute to talk to reporters, Brett?" Hull was asked in a corridor outside the dressing room. "What would I have to talk about?" he replied. "Fans want to know how you're doing," said the reporter. "I don't give a (deleted) about the fans anymore," said Hull.

Ooooooh. He's pissed.

[team USA] for whom he's performed beyond the call of duty.

If he were truly doing that, then he wouldn't be benched. It's put up or shut up, Hull. There are people in this league who would metaphorically kill for what Hull seems to think he's entitled.

Hull Moving From Motor City to Phoenix

One of the most highly sought after Hockey Free Agents have landed in the desert. Brett Hull signed a 2 year deal with the Phoenix Coyotes according to this Yahoo! Sports article. The money part was not released.

I suppose that having Gretzky for an owner is starting to pay off. The Coyotes have really been active this season acquiring quite a few. Brett is no stranger to the "Great One" I'm sure that influence was the deal breaker.

The Penguins and the Stars were also interested in the Free Agent Hull. Brett is also friends with Mario Lemieux... and has said he would've liked to play with/for Mario sometime in his career.

Hockey Goal Scoring Milestones

Two hockey players in the NHL have been in the front page headlines recently looking for Milestone goals in their career.

Jaromir Jagr scored his 600th goal this past week and Detroit's Brett Hull is trying to reach his 700th. Brett was shut out yesterday against the Colorado Avalanche and now has waited 5 games to score that elusive milestone.

Mario Lemieux needs 4 assists to get 1,000 for his career. The next game is at Boston with Regional coverage on ABC.