Shane Doan

Special for the Republic

I was more excited than I was nervous.

It was my first National Hockey League Game, Oct. 7, 1995, in Winnipeg with the Jets. We were playing the Dallas Stars, and I couldn’t wait to walk onto the ice with my teammates – NHL teammates.

One of my favorite parts of playing hockey is hearing the national anthems while standing on the blue line quietly as I think about the upcoming game, pray and say thanks. I’ll never forget this particular ritual, gazing up at the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and realizing, “I’m an NHLer.”

We won the game 7-5, and it felt surreal. My dream of playing in the NHL had come true and although I previously thought that would be enough, I couldn’t wait for the next one.

I’m so grateful and thankful to the Winnipeg Jets for drafting me and giving me a chance to play my rookie season and when the team moved to the Valley in 1996, all I wanted to know was if the Coyotes would keep giving me a chance to play.

Against their better judgment, they did and that first game as a Phoenix Coyote was exciting. We played against the San Jose Sharks in downtown Phoenix at America West Arena, and it was so fun. The crowd was right on top of you, and you could feel the emotion and energy in the building.

I could not fathom at the time that I would end up playing in Arizona for the next 21 years, raise a family and call this place home. But that’s exactly what happened.

And that’s why this has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.

I’m retiring from the NHL.

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My wife, Andrea, and I have prayed about this, and I truly believe this is His timing. I have peace, and I’m so thankful for that.

I’ve been blessed and I’m so grateful for the fans and their support. They stuck by me throughout my career and the ups and downs of the Coyotes. There are a lot of players with more skill than me and a lot more ability than me that didn’t ever get the type of appreciation that I got and the type of respect that the fans gave me, and I’m so grateful for that. I can’t express how much I appreciate it. Thank you for watching me grow up, and I enjoyed watching a lot of you grow up, too.

I also want say thanks to the Coyotes, who provided me the opportunity to stay in the Valley for 21 years. That’s one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career, and I’ll forever cherish the friendships I’ve made along the way.Thank you Stan, Rich, Tony, Steve and Jason.

The Valley is where Andrea and I have raised our four children. As a family, we’ve spoken many times about how special it’s been to remain in the same city. My family has been such a huge part of the Coyotes, and everyone appreciates being included in every part of my career. Thank you Andrea, Gracie, Josh, Karys and Carson for the sacrifices you all have made for me.

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Even though April 8 wasn’t announced as my last game, I knew it probably was.

I felt an indescribable wave of emotion to have the support that I’ve had over the years from the fans throughout all of the uncertainty. You have always defended me and supported me. Playing in front of you has honestly been one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Every time I walked down the tunnel toward the ice in that game at home against the Minnesota Wild, it was tough but I also felt the same excitement that I did during my first game. I high-fived the fans and joked with whoever was walking next to me.

When the game ended, I remember thinking, “This is the last NHL game I’ll be on the ice looking up instead of looking down.” And even though my perspective will be different, my love for the NHL won’t change and I’ll continue to share that passion with the hockey fans in Arizona.

Thank you for loving the game with me.

Thank you for the unwavering support.

Thank you for fighting to keep the team here.

Thank you for allowing this to be my home.

And thank you for coming to spend a night with me playing hockey.

It’s been incredible.

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