Anchorage’s Nate Thompson announces retirement after 15-year NHL caree…
Jul. 22—After a decade and a half in the National Hockey League, Anchorage’s Nate Thompson has officially called it a career. He announced his retirement Wednesday on social media.
“I always enjoyed offseason training and getting ready for the upcoming season,” he said in an interview. “I told myself that if I ever didn’t feel motivated to do it or my body wasn’t in a place to want to do it anymore, that’s when I’d retire, knowing that I wasn’t going to be able to prepare like I wanted to.”
He played for the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League for the 2022-23 season, and a month or two after the end of the season, he knew the time had come — so he “made the call” on his professional career.
Originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round of the 2003 NHL Draft, the journeyman forward from Anchorage played with nine different teams over 15 seasons. His is the second-longest NHL career by an Alaskan, behind fellow Anchorage product Scott Gomez, who played 16 seasons for seven teams.
“It was definitely something I’m proud of,” Thompson said. “I was able to carve out a pretty long career and it’s pretty rare to have a career like that. I’m extremely proud of the fact that I was able to not only stay in the league that long but still be able to be an impact player for a long time and be consistent.”
The 38-year-old last played in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2021-22 season and also had stints with the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets.
“From the time I was 4 until 38, hockey has been my life and best friend. I’m beyond grateful and thankful for all the great people I’ve met and friendships I’ve made,” Thompson posted on Twitter. “All good things must come to an end so thank you to all who supported me along this journey.”
He finished his NHL career with 164 points (65 goals, 99 assists) and 401 penalty minutes in 844 games and added 21 points…
