Anaheim Ducks Captain Ryan Getzlaf Announces Retirement

ANAHEIM, CA — Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf will retire from professional hockey following the end of the current NHL season.

The 36-year-old player said in his retirement announcement Tuesday it was an honor to play his entire 17-year career with the Anaheim Ducks.

Getzlaf gave special recognition to his family, "who offered unwavering love and support" during his career, and the Ducks' owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, for their commitment to the team and being able to make a "positive impact in our community and to those in need."

"A special thanks to the general managers, coaches, support staff, teammates and, of course, our fans," Getzlaf said. "Playing for the Ducks and living in Orange County is a dream for an athlete, and much of that is because of you. Thank you all."

His last home game will be April 24 against the St. Louis Blues.

Getzlaf was selected in the first round by Anaheim during the 2003 NHL draft and has been the team's longest-serving captain since 2020.

He was the team's leading scorer when the Ducks won the 2007 Stanley Cup, and he has won two Olympic gold medals.

Getzlaf played 1,150 games with the Ducks and recorded more than 1,000 career points in the NHL.

Henry and Susan Samueli said in a joint statement that they were proud of Getzlaf's "amazing" career with the Ducks, both on and off the ice.

The team's owners lauded him for spearheading many of the Ducks' charitable efforts, including the Ducks Learn to Play Program, which teaches youths how to play hockey for free.

"Congratulations, Ryan. You've been our leader, our soul and our captain, leaving an indelible mark on our franchise that Ducks fans around the world will never forget," the Samuelis said.