At Last, Mike Modano to Retire

By Robert Wilonsky Wed., Sep. 21 2011 at 12:18 PM

Photo by Patrick Michels

Mike Modano and Willa Ford at our music awards two years ago

In April 2010, Mike Modano told us he wasn't sure if he was ready to retire. He sure felt like it, he said: "At this point, on this day, I can make the decision: I'm done." But, of course, he wasn't: After a tear-stained farewell to the American Airlines Center crowd, the lifelong Dallas Star moved on to Detroit, where he would spend most of his single season as a Red Wing sidelined with a horrific hand injury.

But now, at last, he will retire. This was posted moments ago to his Facebook page:

After a long summer of thinking about my future, I've come to the decision that it's time to retire as a player from the NHL. There's way too many people to thank here at this time and too much to say, so I have a press conference scheduled for early Friday afternoon. Check back Friday late afternoon for more. What a great ride it's been!

Says the greatest American-born player ever to skate in the National Hockey League.

Update at 2:28 p.m.: The Dallas Stars send this statement from GM Joe Nieuwendyk:

"Mike Modano was an incredible player and an icon in our sport. He was invaluable in helping sell the game of hockey in Dallas. Mike is the face of our franchise, and I think it is safe to say that no one else will wear No. 9 for the Dallas Stars. We wish him all the best."

Also, per the team: Modano's retirement press conference will take place Friday at 1 p.m. It will be streamed live on the team's website.

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Robert Wilonsky

Some of y'all asked yesterday if the Stars would re-sign Modano before his official adios. Well, this just in:

Frisco, Tex. – Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced today that the NHL club will sign center Mike Modano to an official NHL contract, giving him the opportunity to officially retire as a Dallas Star. Modano will sign the contract at Friday’s press conference. Afterwards, he will send in his retirement paperwork to the National Hockey League. Full information on the press conference is listed below.

The amount listed on the contract will be $999,999 in honor of his No. 9.

“This is a special day for all of us,” said Nieuwendyk. “Mike Modano will always be the face of this franchise. He means so much to our organization and all of our fans. We wanted to give him the opportunity to retire as a Dallas Star. Mike has given his heart and soul to this game for over 30 years. On behalf of the entire organization and the National Hockey League, we would like to thank him for his dedication.”

Modano, 41 (born June 7, 1970 in Livonia, Mich.), is the all-time leading scorer among American-born players in NHL history in goals (561) and points (1,374). Playing 22 seasons in the National Hockey League, he was the first overall pick in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars.

Purpleindigo

Thank you for all the great years and memories, Mikey Mo. You're one of the all-time greats.

Mike3647

Congrats, Mo! Now maybe you can spend a little time at that crappy pos restaurant named after you and Brett.

Josh's broken records

What a great ride it's been!, is exactly what I'd say if Willa was my wifey. Stay Hard Mo!

TheRealDirtyP1

I'll rack you for that one. Touching tribute.

Robert Wilonsky

When asked whether he would retire as a Dallas Star, Rob Scichili told me via email: "We're simply helping him out with the press conference." When asked if and when the team will retire his number, he said: "I'm sure we will retire #9, but there is no timetable."

Storm_71

I'll truly miss Mo. There may have not been a more classy athlete to come thru this area.

MushMouth1

May his number 9 sweater forever flap in the breeze as skates into the next stage of his life.

Thank you Mike for the wonderful memories. You were a great competitor and the sportsmanship you displayed will always be remembered. Best of luck in the future.