The chapter has closed for netminder Jaroslav Halak, who has formally declared his time on the ice is over. This past Friday, the athlete, aged 40, shared his choice to retire following a noteworthy 17-year tenure in the NHL.
Halak’s concluding appearance was back in 2023, donning the colors of the New York Rangers. Subsequent to that, he engaged with the Carolina Hurricanes through a tryout contract during the 2023-2024 period. Nonetheless, he was let go and did not participate in any official matches.
“Last year I kept up with the usual fitness routines of summer… but when opportunities didn’t pan out, I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t meant to be. I stopped actively pursuing options,” Halak expressed to Slovakia’s Dennik Sport, according to translated comments. “I’m making it official that my playing career is done. I want to express my gratitude to my family, close associates, the fans, and particularly my devoted wife, Petra, who stood by me throughout my journey.”
Halak’s journey began when he was selected during the ninth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, where he spent the initial four years of his career. Later, his path included stints with the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and ultimately, the Rangers.
His career encompasses 581 games in the NHL, with 555 as the starting goaltender, accumulating a 295-189-69 record, coupled with 53 shutouts, a .915 save percentage, and a goals-against average of 2.50.
“It’s been a couple of years, and I’ve reconciled with the fact that I won’t hit the 300-win milestone,” commented the distinguished two-time William M. Jennings Trophy recipient. “When I reflect on my career, I feel content with what I’ve achieved. Reaching 300 wins would have been a nice bonus, but I’m satisfied with the 295 wins I earned.”
Halak proudly represented Slovakia in the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games, and in 2016, his contributions were instrumental in guiding Team Europe to the championship final at the World Cup of Hockey.
