Former Canucks Goalie Jaroslav Halak Announces Retirement
Veteran NHL goaltender Jaroslav Halak has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, closing the chapter on a remarkable 17-year career that spanned across several franchises, including a memorable stint with the Vancouver Canucks.
Halak, 38, played his final NHL games during the 2022-23 season, serving as a reliable backup for the New York Rangers. Known for his calm demeanor in net and technical precision, Halak made his NHL debut in 2006 with the Montreal Canadiens and quickly earned a reputation as a clutch performer, especially during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs where he helped lead the Canadiens to an improbable run with stunning upsets over the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Over his career, Halak suited up for multiple teams: the Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and the Rangers. He spent the 2021-22 season with the Canucks, appearing in 17 games and providing veteran leadership behind starter Thatcher Demko. Though his time in Vancouver was brief, his professionalism and mentorship were appreciated in the locker room.
The Slovakian native ends his career with 295 regular-season wins, a .915 save percentage, and 53 shutouts. Internationally, Halak was a key figure for Team Slovakia, representing his country in several IIHF World Championships and Olympic Games, further cementing his legacy as one of Slovakia’s most accomplished goaltenders.
In a heartfelt message shared with fans and teammates, Halak expressed gratitude for the journey, thanking the organizations he played for, his coaches, teammates, and family for their support throughout his career. He also hinted at staying involved in the sport, potentially taking on a mentoring or coaching role in the future.
Jaroslav Halak retires not just as a consistent and respected goaltender, but as a consummate professional who left a lasting impact on every team he played for.
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