Saying he "knew the writing was on the wall" Doug Weight retired from the New York Islanders Thursday, ending a 19-year NHL career. The 40-year-old center and Islanders' captain will remain with the team as an assistant coach and special assistant to general manager Garth Snow.
Weight is a four-time All-Star who ranks sixth in career points among American-born players. In 1,238 NHL games with six teams, Weight had 278 goals and 1,033 points as one of the league's top playmakers. He won a World Cup of Hockey championship for the United States, and was a three-time Olympian - winning a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
Weight did not play after Nov. 17, having totaled two goals and seven assists. He played in only 36 games during the 2009-10 season and 53 games the previous season, his first with the Islanders.
"I knew the writing was on the wall and it was something I was going to have to face," said Weight, who paused several times during his speech to wipe his eyes, regain his composure and take sips of water. "As sad as it is, I am very excited and fulfilled with my career. You can't have regrets. I just wish I was healthy."
I am borrowing the video below from our friends at Lighthouse Hockey. Check out LH for more on Weight's retirement.