'No regrets' for Hasek ahead of Sabres' jersey retirement
Dominik Hasek will become the seventh player to have his number retired by the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, and he says he wouldn't change a thing about his career.
"It's going to be a great honor for me to have my number 39 retired," Hasek told reporters at a press conference in Buffalo on Tuesday morning. "I cannot be more thankful for what this city and this organization (has) done for me. I very (much) appreciate it."
Hasek will watch his number ascend to the First Niagara Center rafters in a pregame ceremony before the Sabres' game against the Detroit Red Wings.
The 49-year-old was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November. He said playing the game was easier for him than the public speaking that comes with accepting post-career honors.
"It's easier to play hockey than to do the speeches," he said. "Any time I'm standing in front of so many people, it's much more difficult. (Playing) hockey was much easier."
Hasek retired from the NHL in 2008 after spending nine seasons with the Sabres, parts of four campaigns with the Detroit Red Wings, one year with the Ottawa Senators and two years with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Despite reports of a rift between Hasek and head coach Ted Nolan prior to Nolan's firing in 1997 - a divide that former teammate Matthew Barnaby confirmed to Sportsnet 590 The FAN on Tuesday - Hasek says he doesn't have a single regret about how his career unfolded.
#Hasek asked about regrets: No regrets. Any pro athlete can't have success all the time, there's down times too.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 13, 2015
Nolan, who was re-hired as Sabres head coach in November of 2013, was happy to see his former netminder ahead of the evening's festivities.
"Good to see Dom this morning, what an honor for him, to have your number retired," Nolan said.
Hasek retired with a 389-223-82 record, a goals-against average of 2.20 and a save percentage of .922.