He's one of the greatest players of all time.

 

     Now, former Bronco Joe Sakic enters a new chapter in his life.  

     Sakic made a guest appearance on Friday night at the Swift Current Broncos Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Credit Union iplex.  "I'm in a good place.  I'm excited (for retirement), there was a lot of great memories in my 20-year career.  I'm obviously very lucky to live my dream for that long.  I know I'm going to miss the game and my teammates, but you have to move on sometime, and for me it was the right time," explained Sakic.

     The list of career accolades is staggering.  He has two Stanley Cups, an Olympic Gold medal, 13 NHL all-star appearances, 1641 career NHL points (8th all-time), a Conn Smythe and Hart Trophy, a World Junior Gold medal, and numerous World Championship medals.

     As for what's next, he has an idea of what will keep him busy.  "Right now, I just want to step away and take some time off and just be with my family.  I want to coach my two boys and take my daughter to all her events - she likes gymnastics and dance.  I'm just going to be a stay-at-home dad for a little while, and in the meantime, I want to learn the business side of the league without having a role.  I want to come around with the management staff of the Avalanche and learn that part of the game, and see if that's something I'd be interested in."

     As for his hockey career, there are moments that stick out.  He believes his biggest accomplishment was just making it to the NHL.  "As a kid, that's what you dream of.  As a young hockey player, you just hope you make it.  As you get older, your goals change.  Not everyone gets a chance to win two Stanley Cups and to represent your country in three Olympics, to put on the Maple Leaf and win gold in Salt Lake, obviously, words can't describe that.  But it all started with the goal of making the National Hockey League and achieving your childhood dream."