Former Rangers first-round pick Michael Del Zotto announced his retirement Wednesday on Instagram.
Del Zotto, a defenseman, spent five seasons with the Rangers after being selected with the 20th pick in 2008 NHL Draft and debuting in 2009.
“Today is a bittersweet day. I was fortunate enough to play 14 years of professional hockey,” Del Zotto posted to his Instagram account. “The blood, sweat, tears, broken bones, triumph, heartbreak and sacrifice were worth every second.
“So were the many amazing relationships I made along the way.
“Teammates, staff members and fans were among those relationships, but the most meaningful were the ones I shared with the kids I met at Ronald McDonald house during my time in Vancouver and those with the Garden of Dreams during my time in New York, especially Liam and Taylor.”
Del Zotto, 33, played 80 games in his rookie season while becoming the youngest defenseman in team history at the time. He also earned All-Rookie Team honors.
He only approached 80 games one more time with the Rangers, playing in 47, 77, 46 and 42 games, respectively, over the next four years.
The Rangers shipped him to Nashville in 2014 for defenseman Kevin Klein. He tallied 121 points across his five seasons on Broadway.
“As athletes, we can become consumed with each season, game period or shift, but hockey is just a game. These relationships often kept me in check and reminded me about what was most important in life,” Del Zotto said in his retirement post. “Having the opportunity to make a positive impact on others and give back to the community was the most rewarding part of my career. It is a role I will continue to cherish.
“Spending 14 years in a pressure-packed and heavily-scrutinized job feels like a lifetime in itself, one with plenty of highs and lows. I am proud of the life lessons I learned along the way. I have made many mistakes and have learned from them all. I never wanted to be just known as a hockey player. I want to be known as Michael Del Zotto, period. I am proud of who I have become today.”
Del Zotto also played for the Flyers, Canucks, Ducks, Blues, Blue Jackets and Senators in his career, and played 26 games with Ottawa last year.
His Instagram account says he’s now a Florida real estate agent.
Del Zotto thanked his family in his retirement post.
“None of this would have been possible without the unconditional love and support from my family. From the moment I put skates on at the age of 3 they were there to guide me and give me every opportunity to live out my dream. My accomplishments are just as much theirs as they are mine,” Del Zotto said.
“This version of myself is ready to take on the next chapter of life full steam ahead. I am ready to explore the world and be challenged in new ways. Most importantly, I am excited for more time with my family and the opportunity to make up for all the quality time I’ve missed.”
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