“This is it,” Lemieux said, “and it hurts.”

The end of Lemieux NHL career was announced on Tuesday, January 24th, 2005. Limieux stated that unlike most players that retire, his reason was not because his heart wasn’t in the game, but rather, his heart did not allow him to play. Limieux, the 13 time All-Star learned in December that he had atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can cause his pulse to flutter wildly and must be controlled by medication. He ended his career with 690 goals and 1,033 assists for 1,723 points, the 7th point getter all time. For the time being, Lemieux doesn’t need to worry about passing the mantle down to number 1 draft pick, Sidney Crosby.

(Thanks, T-Rex!)