Damphousse Hangs Up His Skates After 18-Year NHL Career

Vincent Damphousse, the skilled center who played for the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Oilers and Sharks announced his retirement Wednesday after 18 seasons in the NHL. The 37-year-old was a four-time NHL All-Star and won the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1993.

In 1,378 NHL games, Damphousse scored 432 goals and added 773 assists. He was also a vice president of the NHLPA and played a vital role in the collective bargaining agreement that finally resolved the lockout that cancelled the 2004-2005 season.

'I loved getting up every morning and heading to the rink, and I will miss being in the dressing room with the guys,' Damphousse said in a statement released by the NHL Players Association. 'However, I'm looking forward to the next stage of my life.'

The Montreal native had a career high 97 points with his hometown Canadiens in 1992-93 and added 23 points in 20 playoff games including three game winning goals. The following season, Damphousse had a career high 40 goals.

Damphousse spent his final five-plus seasons in San Jose where he helped the Sharks with his smooth passing, experience and top notch leadership skills.