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May 29, 2022 • 5 hours ago • 3 minutes of reading • 17 comments Jason Spezza of the Toronto Maple Leafs awaits a record fall against the Ottawa Senators during an NHL game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 1, 2022 in Toronto. Photo by Claus andersen / Getty Images
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Jason Spezza is rising from the ice to help the Maple Leafs from a new perspective.
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The 38-year-old veteran striker announced on Sunday, along with the club, that he will retire from an 18-year career in the NHL to become special assistant to Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas.
“I love hockey,” Spezza said. “Since the age of three, I have been lucky enough to live my dream and do what I love for so many years.
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“I eat, I sleep, the dream hockey and it has always been there for me. There are too many people to thank individually, but I am eternally grateful and indebted to the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs and Hockey Canada for their support and confidence in me as a player and person. To my teammates, coaches, support staff, coaches and team staff, a sincere thank you for everything. For countless hours on the track, either on the ice or with those behind the scenes, I’ve been lucky enough to have forged lifelong friendships. living my dream and doing what I love for so many years. “
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Jason Spezza today announced his retirement from the NHL after 19 seasons. He will join the Maple Leafs reception immediately. #FullesForever
– Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 29, 2022
Spezza was five points above 1,000 in 1,248 games, and some thought he could try another year in search of his first Stanley Cup. But he wasn’t a full-time player until later in the Tampa Bay series, where the Leafs were eliminated in the first round. I still wanted to, but the Leafs are pushing new, younger talent next year.
An off-ice role seemed natural, as Spezza and her family wanted to stay at their GTA base.
“It’s hard to describe the positive and lasting impact Jason had in his three seasons with the Leafs,” Dubas said. “Jason’s passion for the game of hockey, his desire to continually push himself and his teammates to improve, as well as his ability to establish strong connections with all members of the organization, have been invaluable.
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“While today marks the end of his tenure with us as a player, it is a pleasure to join our main office to deliver everything he has to offer.”
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Spezza was a two-time NHL star (2008, 2012), is among the top 100 in the NHL career list for games played (96th in the tie), assists (80th) and points (94th) and played 97 playoff games. The eighth captain in the history of the Senators and his second national team in 2002, he is sixth of all time in the matches played by this club (686), second in goals (251), assists (436) and points (687). ) during its 11 seasons.
Internationally, Spezza has represented Canada at the IIHF World Championships four times (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015), three times at the Junior World Championships (2000, 2001, 2002) and the Spengler Cup in 2012.
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“Hockey has been the job of my life and being able to go home to Toronto and finish my playing career where I started was amazing. For fans, in Ottawa, Dallas, Toronto and throughout the league, your impact on the game is immeasurable. I will never be able to reproduce this feeling of stepping on the ice in front of the roar of the crowd, but it is something I will always remember. Thanks.
“Looking ahead, I am very grateful to the Leafs for the incredible opportunity to make the transition to this new role. It allows me to continue my passion, to learn and live new experiences within the game that I love.
“Lastly, none of this happens without the unwavering support of my parents, siblings, wife and children. You have always been my cornerstone.”
lhornby@postmedia.com
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