After being forced to miss last season due to injury, Ryan Callahan has officially announced his retirement.
In a message on Twitter, the veteran forward thanked everyone that had been a part of his 13-year career, including the New York Rangers for giving him a chance when they selected him 127th overall in 2004. Callahan would eventually become captain of the Rangers, not bad for a hard-working mid-round pick from the OHL.
Next, Callahan thanks the Tampa Bay Lightning, the second chapter in his NHL career where he spent the last five and a half seasons. More than his on-ice success, he thanks the Lightning for helping launch his charitable foundation.
A veteran of 757 regular season NHL games, Callahan twice made it to the Stanley Cup Finals but failed to lift the silver chalice over his head. His career will end with 386 points, but it’s his do-anything-it-takes attitude that teammates and fans will remember long after he’s gone. Joe Smith of The Athletic profiles Callahan for perhaps the final time, explaining how his career winded down in Tampa while getting some insight into where his life will lead him now.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
A fan favorite during his time with the Rangers. Appreciated and enjoyed his hustle – he never quit. Shame he didn’t get to lift the cup. Retirement well deserved.
Gave his heart and soul on every shift of every game.Loved him as a Ranger.Enjoy your retirement,Ryan
An excellent Captain who did RangersTown proud. Enjoy retirement and best of luck in your future endeavors, Ryan!
Enjoy the sunset years
He will head back to Sandusky Ohio to manage the family’s auto parts company.