One of the longest-serving captains in Dallas history called it a career on Thursday, as Brenden Morrow hung up his skates after 15 seasons.
“The game of hockey has given me so many opportunities in my life,” Morrow said, in a statement released by the Stars. “Winning a gold medal for Canada at the Olympic Games and appearing in two Stanley Cup Final series are things that I only dreamed of growing up. Getting to perform on those stages is still surreal to me. To all my family, friends, trainers, equipment managers, coaches and teammates, thank you for supporting and pushing me throughout my career.
“Being able to put on an NHL sweater was something that I never took for granted, and it’s with a full heart that my family and I have decided that it’s time for me to officially retire from the National Hockey League.”
Morrow spent time with the Lightning, Blues and Penguins during his career, but it was with Dallas where he established himself as a tough, hard-nosed competitor with some good offensive upside. The club’s first-round pick (25th overall) in 1997, Morrow’s best year came during the 2007-08 campaign, when he posted a career-high 74 points, finishing seventh in Selke voting.
That effort came during the midst of his seven-year run as Dallas’ captain -- only Derian Hatcher had a longer stint wearing the “C” since the club moved from Minnesota.
“Brenden exemplified what a captain should be,” said Dallas Stars President Jim Lites. “He left an indelible mark on this franchise, leading with heart and passion.
“There wasn’t a night where he didn’t give every ounce of energy he had, and we deeply appreciate all of his contributions to the game.”