Edmonton Oilers defenceman Andrew Ference has announced his retirement after 16 NHL seasons.
Ference, 38, spent the past four seasons with the Oilers, serving as captain from 2013-15. He also spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins over his career.
“As I graduate from my time of playing in the NHL, I realize I have the problem of being unable to properly thank the hundreds of people who have helped me achieve my goal of playing in the best league in the world,” Ference said in a statement. “No one gets here on their own, especially average sized guys with average skills. If you think you deserve a thank you from me, you probably do… Thanks!
“My girls, Ava and Stella, and my wife, Krista, however do deserve a proper thanks and my infinite gratitude. They tended my broken bones and bruised ego more times than I can count and gave me unending love and support even when I missed a Christmas concert for a road trip.”
[relatedlinks]
