Blackhawks' Sutter Calls It A Career

(AP)  Chicago Blackhawks center Brent Sutter has reconfirmed what he said last week he's leaving hockey after 17 seasons in the NHL.

"I don't use `retire,"' Sutter said last week after the Blackhawks missed the playoffs for the first time since 1969.

"Because to me it's like you're going to sit along the beach in Florida or California. I'm not going back to the farm (in Alberta) where I probably work twice as hard as I do (playing hockey)."

Sutter, 36, one of six brothers from Viking, Alberta, to play in the NHL, had two goals and six assists in 52 games this season, his seventh with Chicago. He had 363 goals and 466 assists in 1,111 regular-season games with the New York Islanders and Blackhawks

Sutter played on Stanley Cup championship teams with the Islanders in 1982 and 1983, and had 30 goals and 44 assists in 144 playoff games.

But he couldn't help the Blackhawks win a championship, something they haven't done since 1961.

"I can't forget about what happened here this year," Sutter said. "It leaves a sour taste in your mouth. But that's life. I think management knows what needs to be done and hopefully they can do it.

"I'm disappointed, it's probably the biggest disappointment in my 17 years is not to be in the playoffs with this organization. When I got traded here seven years ago, I wanted to bring a Stanley Cup to this organization."

Hockey has been a family affair for the Sutters.

Ron Sutter is a center for the San Jose Sharks who are coached by Darryl Sutter, the former coach of the Blackhawks. Brian Sutter coaches the Calgary Flames. Rich Sutter retired in 1995, and Duane Sutter retired in 1990.