J.S. Giguere announces retirement from professional hockey
Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jean-Sebastien Giguere officially announced his retirement from professional hockey Thursday.
He made the announcement in Quebec, where he remains part-owner of the QMJHL's Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.
The Colorado Avalanche, Giguere's final NHL club, also shared the news.
Former #Avs goalie J.S. Giguere officially announced his retirement this morning. Full Story: http://t.co/damtRybcGv pic.twitter.com/BwuHy2NqRc
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) August 21, 2014
Avalanche team president Joe Sakic offered the following statement on the team's official website:
On behalf of the Colorado Avalanche, I would like to congratulate Jean-Sebastien on an outstanding hockey career. His achievements speak for themselves, from winning the Stanley Cup to winning the Conn Smythe, Jiggy was always a top-notch goaltender. He was also a very important part of our team during the past three seasons, providing veteran leadership and stability in net. We wish him and his family the best of luck.
Giguere will best be remembered for his tenure in Anaheim from 2000 to 2010, where he helped the Ducks reach the Cup Final on two separate occasions: in 2003, when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP despite losing to the New Jersey Devils and, in 2007, when he helped the franchise capture its first Cup.
In 597 games, Giguere won 262 and posted a save percentage of .913.
His retirement also marks the end of another era:
Jean-Sebastien Giguere announced his retirement today. Will be last ex-Whalers player to play in NHL. Chris Pronger still technically active
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) August 21, 2014