'Mr Game 7' announces his retirement from professional hockey

The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off of a sensational draft on Tuesday and Wednesday, but less than 24 hours after the conclusion of a 2020 NHL Entry Draft that saw them draft Seth Jarvis, Noel Gunler and Alexander Nikishin, the Canes and their electric fanbase will have to prepare to say goodbye to one of the gutsiest players to ever wear the red and white in Raleigh, NC, as veteran Justin Williams has announced his retirement from professional hockey on Thursday.

"Since I first broke into the league a day after my 19th birthday back in 2000, this game has brought me so much that I will never be able to repay it" Williams said. "The countless experiences, relationships, lessons and hardships will remain with me forever as I move on to the next stage of my life. I've never once taken for granted the privilege it is to be able to play a game for a living, and that is probably why I was able to play it professionally for as long as I have.

"I want to thank every single one of my teammates for challenging me every day to be better. My friend and agent Thane Campbell for having my back all these years. Bobby Clarke and the Philadelphia Flyers organization for seeing the potential in a scrawny kid from Cobourg, Ont., and selecting me in the draft. My first coach Craig Ramsay for giving me an opportunity right away to realize my dream of playing in the NHL. Jim Rutherford and the Carolina Hurricanes for seeing that same potential and allowing me to grow as a player. Phil Anschutz, Dean Lombardi, Michael Futa and the Los Angeles Kings organization whom I will forever be grateful to for helping me resurrect a career that was sliding away, and giving me a renewed confidence in myself at a time when I needed it most. The Washington Capitals organization for the chance to keep playing for championships. Peter Karmanos and Ron Francis for agreeing to bring me back to the place I now call home and finish my career for the Hurricanes. Tom Dundon and Rod Brind'Amour for their leadership and trust in me as a player to bring me back this past year for one last run.

"My family has sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am, so I want to thank my mom and dad for being there for me every step of the way. My sister, Nikki, for being my biggest fan since day one. My wife, Kelly, and my kids Jaxon and Jade for embracing this journey with me. Life is so much better when you have people you love to share it with.

"Thank you everyone as I retire from pro hockey."<\i>

Williams was fortunate enough to enjoy a stellar 1,264-game NHL career, winning three Stanley Cups along the way. His first came with the Hurricanes in 2006, followed by a pair of championships with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014. He would also walk away with the Conn Smythe trophy in 2014 after being named playoff MVP.

Williams had originally stepped away from the game at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season for personal reasons, but ultimately re-joined the Canes in 2019-20, suiting up in 20 games with "the jerks", and not missing a beat, registering 11 points through those 20 contests.

Williams tallied 320 goals and 797 points throughout his decorated career, adding another 102 points through 162 career playoff games.

A huge congrats on an impressive career to "Mr. Game 7". What a class act. All the best to Williams and his family in this next chapter of their lives.

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