Veteran defenseman Hal Gill announces retirement from pro hockey

After 16 seasons in the National Hockey League, Hal Gill is calling it a career.

The veteran defenseman has officially announced his retirement after 1,108 career games with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers.

"I am so thankful to have played for such great organizations," Gill said. "I was lucky to have made amazing friendships throughout my career and live in so many beautiful cities. I would like to thank the fans for their support, the coaches for their direction, the team staffs for their efforts, and most of all, my teammates for their camaraderie (and keeping me in line)."

He added the following:

Gill, drafted 207th overall in 1993, recorded 36 goals and 148 assists, and won a Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2009.