Blackburn retires

[Leafs Suck]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=137657

NEW YORK (Ticker) - Due to nerve damage in his left shoulder, New York Rangers goaltender Dan Blackburn announced his retirement on Sunday.

Blackburn, New York's first-round pick in 2001, suffered the injury prior to training camp in 2003 and missed the entire 2003-04 season. He underwent nerve exploration surgery on his left shoulder on March 31, 2004 and attempted to return to the ice.

On February 1, Blackburn joined the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL and posted a 3-9-0 record with a 3.54 goals-against average in 12 games.

But in New York's recent training camp, Blackburn also suffered a strained MCL in his left knee on September 15.

"It just seemed like the right thing to do," Blackburn said before Sunday's preseason game against Boston. "I wasn't feeling comfortable with the way it was going."

"Danny has worked extremely hard over the last two seasons to do everything in his power to get his shoulder to a point where he would be able to play," Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said in a statement. "We are all very disappointed for him, knowing the effort he put in and the tremendous future he had. He is an exceptional athlete and a courageous young man and we wish him well."

In 63 NHL games, the 22-year-old Blackburn was 20-32-4 with a 3.22 GAA.

On October 10, 2001, Blackburn became the fifth-youngest goaltender to appear in an NHL contest at 18 years, 143 days. Five days later, he became the third-youngest goalie in league history to record a win and second youngest in Rangers' history when he recorded a 2-1 victory in his native Montreal.

[MAK]

a very sad news for that kid...who is from montreal by the way. I wish him all the best

he's a perfect example of goalies who staid in the big club at 18 and underacheived later on. along with cloutier, thibault

islanders almost did the trick with dipietro but I think he'll be ok

[Fanpuck33_]

Didn't this kid shutout Montreal in like his 1st NHL start?

[Brett38]

He won the game 2-1. I remember watching it on TV. He was unbelievable.

[MAK]

I remeber him stealing bulis point blank with is glove

[Tony_]

Ah man, that sucks. I wish him the best man. Who knows he could be back one day.

[shortcat1]

22 years old. Crud that's young. It must be very frustrating for him. I'm sure that his whole focus and dream was to have a long career in the NHL.

I hope he has a strong personal support group (family, friends, etc.). I imagine he'll need it.