Leafs Suck Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAK Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanpuck33_ Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 Didn't this kid shutout Montreal in like his 1st NHL start? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett38 Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 He won the game 2-1. I remember watching it on TV. He was unbelievable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAK Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 I remeber him stealing bulis point blank with is glove Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony_ Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 Ah man, that sucks. I wish him the best man. Who knows he could be back one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortcat1 Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.