After 18 years in the National Hockey League, former San Jose Sharks captain Owen Nolan formally announced his retirement at a ceremony at HP Pavilion on Tuesday. The team also sent out a press release.
The No. 1 overall pick of the Quebec Nordiques in the 1990 entry draft, played in 1,200 NHL games with Quebec/Colorado, San Jose, Toronto, Phoenix, Calgary and Minnesota, posting 885 points (422 goals, 463 assists) and 1,793 penalty minutes. In that same draft Keith Primeau, Mike Ricci, Jaromir Jagr, Derian Hatcher, Keith Tkachuk and Martin Brodeur were selected after Nolan.
“I was very lucky to be able to play 18 seasons in the National Hockey League,” Nolan said. “I want to thank all of my teammates over those years, along with my friends and family. I also want to thank Doug Wilson and the San Jose Sharks for allowing me the opportunity to step away from the game as a member of the Sharks family.”
Nolan was acquired by San Jose from Colorado on Oct. 26, 1995 in exchange for defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh. He went on to become one of the franchises top performers, playing 568 games with the Sharks, tallying 451 points (206 goals, 245 assists) and 934 penalty minutes. Nolan was named the fifth team captain in franchise history on Oct. 28, 1998. His best season came in 1999-00, netting career-highs in goals (44) and total points (86.)
“Owen Nolan was a dominating player on the ice and remains an important member of the history of the San Jose Sharks franchise,” said Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson. “We feel that it is only fitting that he announces the conclusion of a great career as a member of the Sharks family. “We congratulate Owen, along with his wife, Diana, and their family, on a remarkable career.”
Nolan ranks third on the Sharks’ all-time scoring list.
