Red Wings Kris Draper retires

DETROIT, July 26 (UPI) -- Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper announced his retirement Tuesday, ending a 20-year NHL playing career.

Draper, 40, played in 47 games last season and totaled 1,157 regular-season games and another 222 in the playoffs. He was on four Stanley Cup winning teams.

"I'm here to announce my retirement as a player," Draper said at a news conference. "This is something I have thought long and hard about with my family, friends and teammates. I would like to thank Bryan Murray and Doug MacLean for making that whopping trade with Winnipeg to acquire me for a dollar."

Draper played for Winnipeg for his first three seasons in the NHL before the Red Wings acquired him in June 1993 for $1. He played the next 17 seasons in Detroit.

"Kris Draper has represented the Detroit Red Wings with nothing but class and dedication for the last 17 years," Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland said. "His extraordinary work ethic has provided a great example for all players within our organization and his influence on the young players in our system will be felt for years to come."

Draper scored 161 goals and had 364 points in his regular-season career and added another 24 goals and 22 assists in the playoffs.