NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Veteran goaltender Mike Richter, who backstopped the New York Rangers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 54 years, announced his retirement on Thursday.
Richter was unable to recover from post-concussion syndrome. He missed all but 13 games last season following a seemingly minor concussion, and decided to end his 14-year career after he was not given clearance to return for the 2003-04 campaign.
"I feel a great deal of sadness," said Richter as he choked back tears at a news conference. "I have to give up something I truly love."
Richter is the all-time leader in wins (301) and games (666) by a goalie. He enjoyed his finest season in 1993-94, when he went 42-12-6 with a career-best five shutouts and a 2.57 goals-against average.
He helped the Rangers end their storied title drought by going 16-7 with four shutouts and a 2.07 GAA in 23 playoff games.
On Nov. 5, 2002, he took an accidental knee to the forehead from Edmonton center Todd Marchant and sustained a minor concussion. He never returned, and only recently received clearance to resume exercising and playing golf.
"Doctors have informed me I am no longer to continue my career as a professional athlete," Richter said. "The risks are simply too great."
