Feb. 27--TAMPA, Fla. -- Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Sopel, a member of the 2010 Stanley Cup championship team, announced his retirement from professional hockey Friday.
Sopel spent 18 years playing hockey in the NHL, KHL and AHL and played in more than 1,000 professional games. He played with the Hawks from 2007-10.
"I have been so lucky to play the sport I love for the last 18 years," Sopel said in a statement. "I fulfilled a lifelong dream of winning a Stanley Cup Championship with the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks. (Friday's) decision is not made lightly. This is the right time for my next chapter. I look forward to staying involved with hockey while maintaining family roots in Chicago. I am excited to spend more time with my children in the city we call home.
"While each professional season holds a special place in my heart, the years I spent with the Chicago Blackhawks are my fondest memories," he continued "The Chicago Blackhawks are a top-class organization with a foundation for success on and off the ice."
The 38-year-old Sopel appeared in 659 NHL games, 211 AHL, 136 KHL and four IHL contests during his pro career.
The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He spent parts of six seasons in Vancouver before playing for the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Montreal Canadiens.
He joined the Chicago Wolves of the AHL this seasojn and had a goal and seven assists in 29 games.
"We thank Brent for his service and his professionalism this season," Wolves general manager Wendell Young said in a statement. "He has been an excellent role model for our players. We wish him the best as he pursues other dreams in the hockey world."
