Al MacInnis Retires

Ladies and Gentlemen, Al MacInnis has retired. I am terribly disappointed. Mr. MacInnis had a great career as a defenceman (note Canadian spelling) and had a tremendous slap shot. After dealing with eye injuries and the season that wasn't, Mr. MacInnis will hang up his skates. I am not disappointed that he has decided to retire, I believe that he should. It is in his own best interest. What I am disappointed in is that the man will not get the fanfare that he derserves. The hockey world and sports in general need more players like Mr. MacInnis. You never heard bad press about Al MacInnis. I don't think that I have to tell you that the NHL needs all of the help that it can get. The league and the players have let this and another phenomenal and loyal player make a quiet exit from the sport. Scott Stevens has retired as well, without the fanfare that he also deserves. Who will be next? How about Mark Messier? Where is he? Will he surface in Phoenix now that his teammate and friend Wayne Gretzky is coach? Besides the fans missing out on a year of the greatest professional sport, the biggest loss is losing these great players without being able to truly celebrate their careers. Jersey photo from http://www.oddball-mall.com/macinnisjsy.htm.