“I arrived in Chicago in 2005, not knowing the journey that the Blackhawks would take me on over the next 10 years.”
Three Stanley Cups later, Patrick Sharp is saying farewell to the city in which he found so much success.
After being dealt to the Dallas Stars on Friday, No. 10 took out two full-page ads in Sunday’s Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times to thank the team, the fans and the city.
(Former Bruin Milan Lucic did the same in Boston on Friday after he was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings at the end of June.)
Read the full text:
I arrived in Chicago in 2005, not knowing the journey that the Blackhawks would take me on over the next 10 years. This team gave me an opportunity to play, to grow and become the person I am today. I will always be grateful for the time I spent here.
Winning the Stanley Cup once was a dream come true; winning it three times, with three different groups of teammates, coaches and trainers, was the ultimate privilege as a player. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride when I look back on all that we’ve accomplished together.
Thank you to Rocky Wirtz, John McDonough, Stan Bowman and the entire Blackhawks family for allowing me to be part of a world-class organization on and off the ice. Thank you to the fans for embracing me as a player and accepting me as a part of Chicago.
This city has meant so much to me and my family: Three Stanley Cup victories. The birth of Madelyn Grace and Sadie Ellen. Endless memories from the fans, my friends and teammates. For the Sharp family, Chicago has become home.
Thank you,
Patrick, Abby, Madelyn and Sadie Sharp
Sharp proved to be an integral part of the Blackhawks’ success over his decade with the team, registering 239 goals and 511 points in 679 regular-season games with the club.
He was also a fan favourite in the Windy City, known for his charity and volunteer work as well as for being a one of Chicago’s sexiest athletes.
