In this file photo, New York Islanders center Mike Sillinger warms up before facing the Colorado Avalanche in an NHL hockey game in Denver. Sillinger who played for a record 12 teams during 17 seasons in the NHL, is retiring because of an injured left hip. The 38-year-old forward played in only seven games last season and had season-ending hip resurfacing surgery in January. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
By Michael McEnaney, Long Island Press Hockey Writer
For the well traveled Mike Sillinger the suitcase will finally be laid to rest. The 38-year old forward announced his retirement from the NHL today after a 17-year career that included stops in 12 different NHL cities.
Sillinger cited the two hip surgeries he was forced to undergo the last two seasons as well as the simple fact, “It was time to move on” as the reasons he reached this decision.
A slight crack in his voice was evident as he added, “These last 17 years are filled with some of the best memories of my life.”
At the pres conference announcing the retirement, New York Islander GM Garth Snow fondly recalled the years the two spent playing together in Vancouver (1995-96) and referred to Sillinger as, “a player who was truly loved by his teammates.”
For the team, Sillinger’s departure leaves a hole up front for an offense that was already thin on veteran leadership.
“Mike will be tough to replace. He was a versatile, two-way player for us. If we needed a big face-off win or if we needed a big goal, Mike provided that,” Snow said.
When asked how the team will address Sillinger’s absence, Snow added, “Well, we’re not looking for help from the outside. We think we can fill this void from within, with what we have here now.”
Sillinger hit the 20-goal mark three times in his career and enjoyed his best season in 2006-07 as an Islander connecting for 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points – all career bests. Sillinger’s 17-year career totals include 1049 games, 240 goals, 308 assists and 548 points.
When asked what memories stand out from over the years he replied, “Just that I was proud that so many teams felt there was a need for the roles I filled, whether it was as a second line player to score a goal or as a forth line player to check. I fit those roles everywhere I went and I’m proud of that and of my career.”
As for the 12 teams that made up that career they were as follows: Detroit, Anaheim, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Florida, Ottawa, Columbus, Phoenix, Nashville and the final stop on Long Island with the Islanders.
