Kevin Bieksa to officially retire from NHL as a Canuck
Posted October 13, 2022 9:18 pm.
Last Updated October 13, 2022 10:32 pm.
The Vancouver Canucks announced on Thursday that Bieksa will sign a one-day contract to officially mark his retirement from the National Hockey League (NHL) as a Canuck.
On Nov. 3, the Canucks face the Anaheim Ducks, the only other team Bieksa played for.
“It was a privilege to start my career with this amazing organization, in this incredible city, with the best fans in the league. I am, and always have been, a Canuck at heart, and it’s fitting I retire as one,” Bieksa said in a statement.
According to the NHL, game night will feature a commemorative pre-game tribute and limited edition merchandise.
Bieksa’s coming home
Celebrate with us as Kevin Bieksa signs a one-day contract to retire from the NHL as a Vancouver Canuck.
TICKETS | https://t.co/q6LCyGfCG5 pic.twitter.com/XqBw28cfe3
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 13, 2022
“I am both honoured and grateful to officially end my NHL career as a Vancouver Canuck,” Bieksa said.
Over the span of an NHL career that saw the blue-liner appear in 808 games, Bieksa recorded 63 goals and 215 assists for a total of 278 points. In 86 post-season appearances across 10 seasons, he added another 10 goals and 20 assists.
Bieska is ranked within the top 10 among Canucks defencemen, including games played, goals, assists and points.
In 71 playoff appearances with Vancouver, Bieksa recorded 25 points and holds the franchise record for most post-season penalty minutes by a defenceman (122). He was a major part of the team’s 2011 Stanley Cup Final run when the Canucks fell to the Boston Bruins in Game 7.
A fan favourite for many years, his series-winning goal against the San Jose Sharks in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final is still remembered as an iconic moment.
Bieksa’s last game will take place at Roger’s Arena, and tickets are limited.
