Mike Ricci Retires
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by Pbcoyotes
Mike Ricci announces at a charity golf tournament in Peterborough, Ontario Canada that he is leaving the game of hockey. Ricci played junior hockey in Peterborough and it was only fitting that he announced his retirement there.
Ricci played 17 years in the NHL. He was first drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers as their first round, fourth overall pick in 1990. In 1992, he was part of a group of players that were traded to the Quebec Nordiques (in addition for cash compensation) for Eric Lindros.
When the Noridques moved to Colorado, Ricci won a Stanley Cup and spent six years with the franchise before being traded to the San Jose Sharks for Shean Donovan and their first round pick (which ended up being Alex Tanguay). Ricci stayed with the Sharks for seven seasons.
After the lockout year, Ricci signed with the Phoenix Coyotes as an Unrestricted Free Agent and his last season with the Coyotes, he could not play much due to his recovery from neck surgery.
During his career he played 1099 games. He scored 243 goals with 362 assists. He was an excellent defensive forward and when one needed him to elevate his play, he always answered the call. Due to his lengthy tenure with the Sharks and the Nordiques/Avalanche, his teams felt he was valuable as well.
The NHL will miss Mike Ricci. He loved the game and everything about it. He knew how fortunate he was to be able to play in the NHL, and hopefully others can pick up where he left off.
