Mike Richter Retires

NHL teams

"I feel a great deal of sadness," Richter said at Thursday's news conference. "I have to give up something I truly love."

Richter, who will be 37 this month, helped the Rangers to win their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994.

"I've been fortunate to play my whole career in New York," Richter said. "It's a source of pride. I love that aspect of a player staying with any team, but in New York it's special. You always believe in the colors of the team that you were drafted by, and being drafted by the Rangers and having your allegiance there, it's great."

He leaves the club with more than a dozen records including most regular-season games in net (666) and minutes played (38,185). His career record was 301-258-73 and he was the winningest goalie in team history. He had 41 victories and nine shutouts in the playoffs, also team records.

Richter suffered a fractured skull when he was hit in the face mask in the 2001-02 season. He returned to the ice last season, but suffered a concussion on Nov 5, 2002 in a victory against Edmonton. It was his final game.

"Due to my injury last Nov. 5, the doctors have informed me I am no longer to continue my career as a professional athlete," Richter said. "The risks are simply too great."

The Rangers said they will retire Richter's No. 35 before their game against the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 4. The franchise's only other retired numbers are Rod Gilbert's No. 7 and Eddie Giacomin's No. 1.

Richter was a three-time NHL All-Star and won the silver medal in the 2002 Olympics as the member of Team USA. He also played on the U.S. team that won the World Cup in 1996.