Angela Ruggiero Retires

There comes the time in the players career that the time to recognize that it's over. For Angela Ruggiero, that time is now. Today, she's decided to retire from USA Hockey and most likely pursue other interests. If that means finding a job as a coach or in a front office somewhere... it's no doubt that the outspoken and driven role model will be successful.

She competed 16 years for the United States and has played more games (256) in a Team USA uniform than any other ice hockey player in the country's history. In total, she finished her career with the U.S. Women's National Team Program having recorded 208 points, including 67 goals and 141 assists.

She is a very gifted personal speaker and the reports say that she came prepared to Team USA's camp to declare herself retired from hockey at the age of 31. She also is recovering from recent shoulder surgery. She first released her decision to retire at her twitter account @AngelaRuggiero.
In my opinion, she is also one of the modern pioneers in women's hockey short history. She's achieved so much in her 16 year career with a Harvard cum laude degree, numerous International medals, and even more storybook noteworthy is her 1 game credited playing for the CHL's Tulsa Oilers with her brother Bill in goal. They are the only brother-sister tandem to play a game together.
Angela's influence and popularity will be missed along with the veteran presence she has on the Team USA roster. Hopefully, the program will continue development of other young women with her elite caliber.

[Via: USA Hockey and ESPN W]

Mike Modano Career Now with Happy Ending

Mike Modano announced his retirement today in front of a Dallas Stars press conference podium. Which wouldn't be all that shocking, because most popular star players get to do this kind of thing all the time. But considering that Modano had previously tried to extend his career 1 more year and do it wearing an legendary rival Red Wings jersey. But what has shown to be one of the classier moments that hockey fans and players recognise, Mike Modano was able to retire a Dallas Star, the team he spent 20 years with and moved with.

Modano's legacy in hockey is never really given credit where it most due. He served the franchise well, helping bring it's Stanley Cup victory as well as re-rooting hockey's Minnesota North Stars into a state with little NHL hockey tradition or culture. What he's done for hockey in the United States should stand out above the stats and the career longevity. He's served nobly in the Olympics for Team USA when called upon. He has won 2 silver medals and also a World Cup tournament in 96. He's played in 57 international games with 14 goals 27 assists for 41 career points.

He retires as the top American scorer in the NHL.

Believing he would retire at the end of last season, Modano took one last victory lap around the arena in a Minnesota North Stars jersey. I think this jesture solidifies him as a Stars franchise player.

And even as a footnote, Mike Modano also makes a cameo appearance in the 1992 film The Mighty Ducks. Back when hockey players concentrated on their craft season-round, Mike was kind enough to take the time to participate in something like that.

What is your Mike Modano memory?

[Via: CBC.ca]