Carolina Hurricanes Legend Justin Williams Hangs up the Skates

Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Champion Justin Williams has retired.

There are few bigger names in Carolina Hurricanes History than Justin Williams. After a career spanning across three decades, he has finally retired.

Twenty years. 1,264 NHL games played. 320 goals in those games. 797 points. Three Stanley Cup Championships. A Conn Smythe Trophy. Named Captain of the Carolina Hurricanes. This is just a sneak peek of the career of the man they called “Mr. Game Seven.” And it has now come to a conclusion as he announces his retirement from the NHL.

A leader, a friend, and an excellent teammate to many, Justin Williams embodies what the NHL wants to be. Hard playing, professional hockey, while still fun for all those involved especially the fans.

Justin Williams brought us the Storm Surge and helped reinvent the Carolina Hurricanes as the captain and as the mastermind behind the antics that helped drive the old guard of the sport up a telephone pole. He became living evidence that even the most professional and high talented players should be able to take a break and enjoy themselves after a win.

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But he did more than just had some silly, enjoyable moments shared with fans when he rejoined the team. Under the coaching of his former teammate and fellow Stanley Cup Champion Rod Brind’Amour, Williams helped end the nearly decade long Stanley Cup Playoff drought. Helping the team secure its first playoff berth since 2009.

He then led the team deep into the playoffs taking the Carolina Hurricanes just shy of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He showed the fanbase that this team was worth it. He showed his teammates what fighting for a win looked like. He showed the NHL what the future in Carolina can be. Now, he is stepping aside to allow that future to manifest, making room for the next generation of players.

His journey was an epic one, but he had the humility to thank all those who helped him along the way:

“Since I first broke into the league a day after my 19th birthday back in 2000, this game has brought me so much that I will never be able to repay it.“The countless experiences, relationships, lessons and hardships will remain with me forever as I move on to the next stage of my life. I’ve never once taken for granted the privilege it is to be able to play a game for a living, and that is probably why I was able to play it professionally for as long as I have.“I want to thank every single one of my teammates for challenging me every day to be better. My friend and agent Thane Campbell for having my back all these years. Bobby Clarke and the Philadelphia Flyers organization for seeing the potential in a scrawny kid from Cobourg, Ont., and selecting me in the draft.“My first coach Craig Ramsay for giving me an opportunity right away to realize my dream of playing in the NHL. Jim Rutherford and the Carolina Hurricanes for seeing that same potential and allowing me to grow as a player.“Phil Anschutz, Dean Lombardi, Michael Futa and the Los Angeles Kings organization whom I will forever be grateful to for helping me resurrect a career that was sliding away, and giving me a renewed confidence in myself at a time when I needed it most. The Washington Capitals organization for the chance to keep playing for championships.“Peter Karmanos and Ron Francis for agreeing to bring me back to the place I now call home and finish my career for the Hurricanes. Tom Dundon and Rod Brind’Amour for their leadership and trust in me as a player to bring me back this past year for one last run.“My family has sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am, so I want to thank my mom and dad for being there for me every step of the way. My sister, Nikki, for being my biggest fan since day one. My wife, Kelly, and my kids Jaxon and Jade for embracing this journey with me. Life is so much better when you have people you love to share it with.“Thank you everyone as I retire from pro hockey.”

We can’t wait to see what the next part of his journey will be.

Question for CC Readers: What is your favorite moment from Justin Williams’ Career?