Former Rangers Defenseman Dan Girardi Announces Retirement

Dan Girardi, who ascended from undrafted rookie to Rangers fan favorite for his hard work and grit, is hanging up his skates. 

Girardi, 35, announced Friday he is retiring after 13 seasons in the NHL. He most recently played for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"I would like to thank all my coaches, family, friends and teammates for supporting me throughout my entire hockey career," Girardi said, via NHL.com. "I want to thank the New York Rangers for giving me a chance to fulfill my childhood dream of playing in the NHL. Throughout those 11 incredible years I have made so many friends on and off the ice. I bled Ranger blue and gave it my all for my team, the city and the Garden faithful. I also want to thank the Tampa Bay Lightning for helping me continue my career by giving me a chance to play for such an amazing organization, city and fan base. The last two years in Tampa Bay have been so much fun for me and my family. I will always fondly remember my time here. Finally, I want to thank my wife Pamela for always being there for me and holding down the fort and to Landon and Shaye for always being daddy's No. 1 fans.

"I gave my all every single night and left it all out on the ice. Now it's time for the next chapter of my life to begin and I couldn't be happier ... and so is my body."

G,Thank you for 11 years of giving us your all.Thank you for being one of us. #NYR pic.twitter.com/74EBkG6CnG

A native of Welland, Ontario, Girardi was not selected among the 292 picks in the 2003 NHL draft. The Rangers later signed him, and he went on to play 11 seasons for the Blueshirts -- 10 of them playoff seasons, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. An alternate team captain during his final few years in New York, Girardi skated in 788 games and registered 46 goals and 184 assists (230 points).

The Rangers bought out Girardi's contract after the 2016-17 season. He then signed with Tampa Bay, where he played his final two seasons, adding 10 goals and 24 assists to his career totals. The Lightning reached the playoffs both of those years.