Hasek officially retires

[Rios15]

Dominik Hasek, who won six Vezina trophies and a pair of Hart trophies among other accolades during his 15 NHL seasons, has decided to retire.

Hasek, 47, last played with Spartak Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League in 2010-11. He had been attempting to return to the NHL, but couldn't interest a team in his services.

"There were training camps starting in the AHL and I wanted to participate," Hasek said. "I needed to play pre-season games, to be part of the hockey environment [in North America]. I was in touch with one NHL club and I had pretty good feelings about it, but then they called my agent and told him there was no interest from their side anymore."

Hasek believed he was still in good enough shape to play despite sitting out the 2011-12 season, but understands that his age and inactivity were big reasons for his inability to find a job in North America.

"I understand their reasons," he said. "I am 47 and I haven't played hockey for the entire season. But that's why I told the GMs: Give me a chance to play in the AHL for one month. You could watch me there and if you see I still have it, you can take me up to the NHL. And if not, you can kick me wherever you want."Hasek was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the 10th round of the 1983 Draft and played parts of two seasons in Chicago before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he began to engineer a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

Dominik Hasek won six Vezina trophies and a pair of Hart trophies among other accolades during his 15 NHL seasons. (Photo: Getty Images)
In nine seasons with the Sabres, Hasek became arguably the best goaltender in the League, winning the Vezina five times in a six-season span from 1993-99. He also is the only goalie to win back-to-back League MVPs, in 1996-97 and 1997-98. He also won the Ted Lindsay Award in both of those seasons.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=643115

Hell of a goalie. Will be missed. Hated him as a Sen but there's no denying how dominate of a goalie this guy was. Would have been nice to see him get a chance to come back one more year, but he is getting older. Definitely a hall of famer though.

 

[RipCity32]

Favorite goalie of all time.

 

[Lake Louise]

Sure felt great having The Dominator in the net for the Wings. I remember being excited to have him back for a second stint. As you said, easily a Hall of Famer.

 

[H-MYK]

I wouldn't be surprised if he's a shoe in for the Hall of Fame.

 

[Sabbath]

He is a shoe in for the hall of fame!