Lamoriello statement on Rafalski retirement
Wednesday, 05.25.2011 / 3:13 PM
/ News
New Jersey Devils
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Newark, NJ – New Jersey Devils President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello today issued the following statement in regard to the retirement of defenseman Brian Rafalski, who began his NHL career with the Devils in 1999-00:
“Brian is a quality individual, whose character, commitment, work ethic, and team-first attitude made him the player and person he is. We were fortunate to have him in a Devils’ sweater for seven seasons, including two Stanley Cup Championships. We wish Brian, Felicity, and their three sons well as they move on to the next chapter in their lives.”
Rafalski, 37, recorded 44 goals and 267 assists for 311 points and 180 penalty minutes in 541 regular-season games with New Jersey. His goal, assist, and point-totals each ranks fourth among defensemen in franchise history. Rafalski added 17 goals and 43 assists for 60 points and 37 penalty minutes in 102 playoff games as a Devil. The native of Dearborn, MI appeared in three Olympic Winter Games, the 2004 World Cup, two NHL All-Star Games, and was named to the league’s 1999-00 All-Rookie Team. He was also a member of Detroit’s 2008 Stanley Cup Championship team. Not drafted, Rafalski signed with New Jersey as a free agent on June 18, 1999.
“Brian is a quality individual, whose character, commitment, work ethic, and team-first attitude made him the player and person he is. We were fortunate to have him in a Devils’ sweater for seven seasons, including two Stanley Cup Championships. We wish Brian, Felicity, and their three sons well as they move on to the next chapter in their lives.”
Rafalski, 37, recorded 44 goals and 267 assists for 311 points and 180 penalty minutes in 541 regular-season games with New Jersey. His goal, assist, and point-totals each ranks fourth among defensemen in franchise history. Rafalski added 17 goals and 43 assists for 60 points and 37 penalty minutes in 102 playoff games as a Devil. The native of Dearborn, MI appeared in three Olympic Winter Games, the 2004 World Cup, two NHL All-Star Games, and was named to the league’s 1999-00 All-Rookie Team. He was also a member of Detroit’s 2008 Stanley Cup Championship team. Not drafted, Rafalski signed with New Jersey as a free agent on June 18, 1999.
