Erik Cole retires from NHL as member of Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes' Erik Cole, left, celebrates his goal with teammate Eric Staal in front of Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson. (Mike Carlson/AP)

Erik Cole, who helped Carolina win its lone Stanley Cup in 2006, retired from the NHL on Wednesday after signing a ceremonial contract with the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes subsequently named Cole a team ambassador.

Cole played 892 career regular-season games with the Hurricanes, Oilers, Canadiens, Stars and Red Wings, scoring 265 goals and 267 assists.

The 38-year-old had six goals and eight assists in 46 career playoff games and reached the Cup final twice.

Cole was also a member of the 2006 Winter Olympic team for the United States. He broke his neck later that season before returning to play in the final two games of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oswego, N.Y., native ranks in the top 10 in Carolina franchise history in games played (557), points (363), hat tricks (5) and short-handed goals (8).

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