1200-game NHL veteran officially announces retirement

Zach Parise officially announced his retirement last night after the Colorado Avalanche were eliminated in overtime by the Dallas Stars.

It was the former Avalanche forward Matt Duchene who scored the double overtime winner after Mason Marchment was denied a game-winner in the previous overtime frame by a dubious goaltender interference call that had the internet united against the league. Duchene's tally marked the end of Parise's career as he already stated his intention to retire after the season ended. As a result, the hand shake line was extra special for the 1200-game veteran, as well as a couple of his colleagues. Stars coach Peter DeBoer spent some extra time talking to Parise in the line as he coached him when they were both in New Jersey.





Parise also had a long embrace with Dallas Stars defenseman Ryan Suter. The two players were teammates for many years with the Minnesota Wild before both players were bought out in the same offseason.




It sounds like this will be the last we see of Parise in the public eye, as he did not express any desire to remain in the league in any role. Rather, he simply wants to return to his simple home life and spend time with his kids, enjoying his hobbies.




After the game, Peter DeBoer was asked about Parise and he gave a long, thoughtful answer. It is obvious that the veteran left an impact on the coach.




Source: HouseofHockey
Colorado Avalanche veteran announces official retirement from the NHL