Mike Sillinger Announces Retirement

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

After 17 seasons in the league, Mike Sillinger is hanging up his skates.

Citing a hip injury, Sillinger announced his decision to retire at a press conference Wednesday.

"To play the sport of hockey, something I've had a passion for all my life, at the professional level for the past 17 years and to be able to support my family has been a dream come true," said Sillinger during the announcement. "From playing this game I have met some of my best friends and will cherish the memories we made forever."

Throughout his career, Sillinger played for twelve teams, more than anyone else in NHL history, and was traded ten times, including twice in one day, a record Sillinger shares with Brent Ashton.

After being drafted by Detroit eleventh overall in 1989, Sillinger played for the Red Wings until 1995 when he was traded to Anaheim. After a short stint there, he played for the Vancouver Canucks.

Since leaving the Canucks during the 1997-98 season, Sillinger has played for nine other teams: the Flyers, Lightning, Panthers, Senators, Blue Jackets, Coyotes, Blues, Predators, and, most recently, the Islanders.

In February 2008, Sillinger underwent a microfracture hip surgery; one year later, he underwent a hip resurfacing surgery. Due to these problems, Sillinger missed the remainder of the 2008-2009 season.

"Mike has and always will be a tremendous ambassador for this game," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "He is a born leader in everything he does and on behalf of the New York Islanders I wish him and his family the very best in the future."

Sillinger ends his NHL career with 240 goals and 308 assists in 1,049 games played. He spent full seasons with only Detroit, Vancouver, Columbus, and New York—all other teams he was traded to or from during a season.

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