After playing 1,026 regular season games in the National Hockey League, winger Brian Gionta decided to call it quits. Gionta announced his retirement from NHL on Monday, putting an end to his 16-year career. The 39-year-old spent the last season with Boston Bruins.
But the retirement doesn’t mean Brian Gionta is leaving hockey for good since he will take a role in Buffalo Sabres front office for the next season. Gionta played for Sabres between 2014 and 2017 and was team’s captain.
WNY native. 1,026 @NHL games. 595 points. Sabres Captain. @USAHockey Olympian. @StanleyCup Champion.
Congrats @Giostyle21 on your retirement and an outstanding career! pic.twitter.com/gJkC7nfYcY
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) September 24, 2018
“I still wanted to be a part of the game and wanted to be a part of the organization,” – Gionta said. “I’m fortunate that I’m walking away from the game into something even better, and that’s being part of my kids growing up, coaching them and being there for them.“
Brian Gionta made his NHL debut during the 2001–02 season with the New Jersey Devils, and helped the team to win the Stanley Cup in 2003. After eight years with the Devils, he joined Montreal Canadiens in 2009, where he played for five seasons before going to Buffalo. During his NHL career, Gionta scored 291 goals and managed 304 assists, totaling to 595 points.
Gionta was also part of United States men’s national ice hockey team at three World Championship tournaments and two Winter Olympic Games.
