The Kings' Luc Robitaille said his official goodbye Tuesday, fighting through emotions while announcing his retirement, effective at the end of the season. It brings to an end a Hall of Fame career that began with a promise he made to himself in 1984.
"I came home for the draft and told my parents, the Kings are going to hear from me," Robitaille said. "I was going to do everything possible to make it. I didn't want to look back years later and say 'I wish I did more.' "
Robitaille, 40, leaves the game without that albatross. He will play his last home game Saturday against Calgary, barring the Kings' pulling off a miracle and qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs. His family, including his parents, will attend the game.
"I felt it was fair to my friends and the fans who supported me to let them know this could be my last game here," said Robitaille, who ranks 10th all-time in the NHL with 668 goals. "Anyone who has ever touched me in hockey has meant a lot to me. I got to live my dream. Now it's time to go."
Robitaille is not expected to go far; a team source said he would be offered a front-office position, probably involving community relations.
A ninth-round pick in 1984, Robitaille is on his third tour of duty with the Kings, which hit a high point Jan. 19 when he scored three goals to break Marcel Dionne's team record of 550 goals.
Robitaille was named the game's first star that night, making him the last player to reach the dressing room.
When he walked in, a couple of teammates began clapping, which built into a spontaneous ovation by all present.
"I think that moment meant more to me than any other," Robitaille said, while fighting to hold back tears. "When your teammates respect you, that's the memory you keep."
Robitaille said he had no regrets from an NHL career that leaves little reason to have any. He was rookie of the year in 1986-87 and won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. Though he played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Rangers and Red Wings, Robitaille said he regarded the Kings as his team.
"I remember when my name was called at the draft, I'd been there for six hours waiting," Robitaille said. "They have great hot dogs at the Montreal Forum" where the draft was held "and I must have had six of them during the day. I finally heard my name called and went running downstairs."
