DALLAS -- As Mike Modano took one last look at his written remarks before going on stage for his retirement news conference Friday afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton, he knew he was going to have trouble holding back tears.

Modano sat on stage by himself as Stars play-by-play announcer Ralph Strangis read off a litany of impressive numbers.

Then a video played, including footage from Modano's early years and an interview following his selection by the Minnesota North Stars as the top overall pick in the 1988 draft as a teenager -- an interview that included a lot of "you knows" that made Modano chuckle.

But there he was, sweater swaying as he skated around players as if they were standing still. So many goals, so many assists, so many memorable moments.

Mike Modano wiped away tears as he discussed his retirement from hockey on Friday. AP Photo/LM Otero

The video showed him holding the Stanley Cup aloft, talking with former coach Ken Hitchcock and, of course, wiping tears away after his final home game in April 2010.

Back when Modano was that teenager still getting used to doing interviews, the idea of a news conference like the one he held Friday was completely foreign. At that time, Modano figured retirement would never come. Veteran players told Modano to enjoy the ride more.

"They told me it would be over soon," Modano said. "I said, 'You're 35 and old and out of the game soon so why would I listen to you?' They were right."

Then came all of the thank-yous. Modano, now 41, struggled to even get the words out. He thanked players, coaches, front-office folks and fans in Minnesota, Dallas and Detroit.

As he did so, many members of the current Stars were sitting in the front row, and many of his former teammates, too.

His mom, Karen, and dad, Mike Sr., watched as well. Then, when Modano started to thank them, Karen couldn't stay in her seat any longer.

"I had to go up there," Karen said.