14th year left wing Ryan Hollweg(44) decides to call it a career after his 6th season with HC Plzen of Tipsport Czech Extraliga, including a 2013 Championship.
Originally a New York Rangers‘ 8th round pick in the 2001 draft (#238 overall), the tough as nails 5’11” 216 lbs. forward had 5 campaigns of 100+ penalty minutes, including 239 as a rookie with Hartford Wolf Pack.
A veteran of 228 NHL games with three different clubs, he was a solid 4th line skater that never failed to attract trouble whether it came to him or he was dishing it out.
Almost ironically considering the type of player he would be known as, he was a point-per-game guy in juniors for Medicine Hat Tigers, which concluded with a 2004 WHL Championship.
The 35-year old California native seemed to eye one more season but then at the last minute thought it was time to close the door on a very successful run.