He was signed by the Flyers as an undrafted free agent in 2000 and won Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and of course, the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004.
After almost 900 games and 12 seasons of NHL hockey, Ruslan Fedotenko is officially hanging up his skates. But not before endearing himself to every Bolts fan in existence.
In Game 7 against the Flames in the Stanley Cup Final, he scored both goals — including the clincher in Tampa Bay’s 2-1 victory. That ended a dream playoff run for Fedotenko, who finished the postseason with 12 goals.
Fedotenko scored 173 goals and amassed 366 points in a career that included stints with five different teams.
From the NHLPA:
STATEMENT FROM RUSLAN FEDOTENKO:
“As I reflect on my career, I realize how truly fortunate I have been to play the game I love at the highest level, to have won the Stanley Cup, not once, but twice, and to have made countless lifelong friendships along the way. I am retiring as a truly grateful man. I will be forever thankful to the Philadelphia Flyers for giving me my start in professional hockey, their belief in me gave me the confidence to reach a level I had only dreamt of. I also had the absolute honor and privilege to play for four other exceptional organizations; I am grateful for the time I spent with each, and for the remarkable teammates I had the pleasure to play alongside. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to Bill Barber, John Tortorella, and Craig Ramsey, men whose coaching skills shaped the player I became and to whom I feel a great sense of gratitude. I would also like to thank my agents, Allan Walsh and David Schatia, for their guidance and encouragement throughout my career, and to the fans, whose undying support has meant so much. Finally, the greatest words of gratitude go out to my wife, my children, and my parents, for without their love and sacrifice my career would have been impossible. Though I will miss playing the sport I love, I look forward to spending more time with my family as I approach the next phase of my life.”
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