Versteeg retires with thanks to family, former teams

Two-time Stanley Cup winner Kris Versteeg officially announced his retirement Tuesday.

Versteeg, who was a fifth-round draft pick by Boston in 2004, put together back-to-back 20-goal seasons for the Blackhawks in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. He scored six times in 22 playoff games in 2010 as the Hawks claimed their first Cup in 49 years.

The speedy forward, who also helped the Hawks win another Cup in 2015, was adored by his teammates and was the unofficial team DJ.

"What a run it was," Versteeg said in a statement. "A kid from North Lethbridge who played on the streets every day, dreaming of playing in the NHL. I took a lot for granted in my time in the NHL.

"But the one thing I never took for granted were the relationships I made with my teammates and staff of the hockey clubs I played for."

Versteeg dealt with the shingles virus while playing overseas last season, then attempted to come back and play in Rockford this season. In the end it proved too much, and he left the IceHogs Nov. 17 after playing six games.

He finished his career with 149 goals and 209 assists in 643 regular-season games, and added 18 goals and 30 assists in 93 playoff games.

In addition to the fans, Versteeg thanked former Hawks GM Dale Tallon for taking a chance on him, his agent and financial adviser. But his true heroes were his grandparents, who helped pay for equipment and (food for the family) "When we couldn't afford it."

"I'm both nervous and excited for what comes next," Versteeg said. "I have a wife who has supported me endlessly, two boys and a daughter who all have their journeys ahead of them, and I'm excited to see where those might lead.

"Lastly, a special thanks to my mom and dad. I could thank you guys for a thousand things, but it all leads back to saying thank you for the hockey stick. It may be going on the rack, but the endless amount of amazing memories it gave our entire family will be etched in our minds forever."