20-year NHL veteran Numminen retires

BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Teppo Numminen on Wednesday announced his retirement, ending a 20-year NHL career that included 1,372 regular-season games.

Numminen, a 41-year-old defenseman, played in 57 games last year for the Buffalo Sabres after missing the 2007-08 season due to heart surgery. He had two goals and 15 assists last season.

He played four years with Buffalo after 15 seasons with Winnipeg/Phoenix and one with the Dallas Stars. His 1,372 NHL games mark the most for a Finnish-born player.

He finished his NHL career with 117 goals and 637 points and was a three-time All-Star.

"I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with and against the best players in the world for so many years," Numminen said. "Playing hockey in the NHL and also for my country was very enjoyable. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, fans, and the media for all the great years."

Numminen was on the Finnish team in four Olympics, winning silver medals in 1988 and 2006 and a bronze in 1998.