Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith react to Crawford's retirement originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Former Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford announced Saturday that he is retiring from the NHL. He won two Stanley Cups in Chicago, where he spent all 13 seasons.
The Blackhawks were informed of the news as practice was wrapping up, and here are what his former teammates had to say about Crawford's retirement and what he meant to the franchise.
Patrick Kane:
"Unbelievable player. Obviously a big part of our championships here, big part of the organization here for the past 10 or 15 years. Great guy to be around, always seemed to be in a good mood, always competed in practice, which as a player you appreciate. I feel like he helped me get better just in practice. Still feel that he’s playing at a really high level, going back to last year in the playoffs. I guess just wish him all the best. Obviously, we’ll have conversations and talk to him, but sometimes there are bigger things than hockey. Wish him all the best in the future."
Duncan Keith:
"I can’t say enough good things about Crow and the teammate that he was. Everybody knows what he was able to do for us in net, especially during those playoff runs and the last several years here being the backbone of our team. But he was always a great teammate and just one of those guys you never had to worry about. He was always ready to play in those big games. We miss him around here, but all the best to him and his family in his next chapter in his life."
Rocky Wirtz and Blackhawks organization:
"Corey has an unforgettable place within our organization, in our fans’ hearts and in Chicago sports history. We congratulate Corey on a Hall of Fame-worthy playing career – one we celebrate with him today as a member of the Blackhawks family forevermore.'Crow' is not only one of the greatest goaltenders in Chicago Blackhawks franchise history but was also a pillar in our local community throughout his entire career. With 260 career regular-season wins and a team-record 52 postseason wins, he thrilled a generation of Blackhawks fans over the last decade-plus while bringing the city of Chicago two Stanley Cups. We wish him, his wife Kristy, and sons, Cooper and Camden, nothing but the best in this next chapter."
