Craig Adams announced his retirement from the National Hockey League Tuesday after 14 seasons.
Adams played 951 games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a two-time Stanley Cup champion (Carolina – 2006; Pittsburgh – 2009.)
The only player in NHL history to be born in Seria, Brunei, Adams was drafted in the ninth round by the Hartford Whalers in the 1996 NHL Draft. He was the second-to-last player drafted by Hartford before the franchise relocated to Carolina in 1997 and last active player to have been drafted by the Whalers.
Adams via official NHLPA media release:
“I consider myself very lucky to have been able to live out my dream of playing in the NHL. I would like to thank all the management and coaches who took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity to play a role for their teams. Thank you to the trainers and equipment staff who I had the pleasure of working with along the way, they were always too good to me,” said Adams. “The opportunity to compete with and against the best players in the world every day was an honour that I never took for granted. I am grateful for my teammates and the friendships I have made over the years. Thanks for the good times, the laughs and the memories. I would also like to express my gratitude to the fans across the NHL. Without the fans the winning, and losing, would not mean nearly as much.
“To my parents and my brother, I appreciate your advice, your sacrifice and your unending support. Finally, I want to thank my wonderful family—my wife, Anne, and our three kids. You have helped me to live my dream and have been there through all the ups and downs. I am so thankful for everything you have given me and that we have been able to share this journey together. I could not have done it without you.”
Adams finished his career with 55 goals and 160 points and 683 penalty minutes in 951 games.
