Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski announced his retirement from hockey on Wednesday morning at Joe Louis Arena. Earlier this week it came out that Rafalski was planning to retire, and he confirmed the news at a press conference.
During his announcement, Rafalski thanked his family, the Red Wings and even the media for all they've done during his four seasons in Detroit and during his hockey career in general. He also applauded the Devils, his first NHL team, for being a first-class organization. He won two Stanley Cups in New Jersey and won another in Detroit.
In total, Rafalski walks away from hockey with three Stanley Cup titles, five appearances in the Stanley Cup final, two silver medals from the Olympics, 79 goals and 436 assists. He had a wonderful career and will go down as one of the top American-born defensemen of his time.
WXYZ's Tom Leyden shot a video of Rafalski's five-minute press conference, and you can check it out below.