PATRICK MAROON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER ST. LOUIS GAME
Three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Maroon reflects on his remarkable career as he prepares to retire.
ST. LOUIS -- In an emotional moment at his hometown arena, Patrick Maroon, a prominent figure in the NHL, announced his retirement after the current season. The news came before the Chicago Blackhawks faced off against the St. Louis Blues, the very team with which he won his first Stanley Cup in 2019. The announcement marks the end of a significant chapter in Maroon's life and career as he approaches his 37th birthday next month.
"Sometimes, you've got to give up everything you know and everything you dreamed of your whole life," Maroon shared during a pregame interview with Darren Pang on Chicago Sports Network. "I just know it's time for me and it's time for my family to go start a new chapter in our lives." His words, filled with reflection, highlight the bittersweet nature of what it means to move on after such a lengthy and successful career.
Maroon's legacy in hockey is impressive. He played a pivotal role in leading the St. Louis Blues to their first championship in franchise history in 2019, an achievement celebrated by fans and teammates alike. Following that victory, he transitioned to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he contributed to back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021. His success made him only the fourth player in NHL history to win the Cup for three consecutive seasons with two different teams, a remarkable feat that underscores his talent and determination.
Reflecting on the gravity of his decision, Maroon elaborated, "It's tough. It's hard to go through things like this. You can't really process it, but I think it's special for me and my family to go start a new chapter." This emotional weight was especially palpable as he revealed his retirement news in front of family and friends, a moment steeped in meaning.
His journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007. Over the years, Maroon played for multiple teams, including Anaheim, Edmonton, New Jersey, St. Louis, and Chicago. He accumulated significant stats: over the course of 1,002 games, he has scored 125 goals and provided 195 assists, while maintaining a tough presence with 1,076 penalty minutes.
Even in his final games, Maroon continued to showcase his competitive spirit. Just before making his heartfelt announcement, he participated in a game where he engaged in a fight with St. Louis native Tyler Tucker and was named the No. 1 star of the game despite the Blackhawks suffering a 4-1 loss.
Patrick Maroon leaves behind a legacy that is both commendable and inspiring. With a total of 23 goals and 30 assists in 163 career postseason games, his contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed. His retirement marks not just the end of an era for Maroon but also for the teams and fans who admired his resilience and skill over the years. As he hangs up his skates, Maroon prepares to enter this new chapter in life, one undoubtedly filled with love, family, and reflection on a career well spent.
