Stars' Ludwig Retires

September 2, 1999 / 10:14 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Dallas Stars defenseman Craig Ludwig has retired after 17 years in the NHL.

"It was a great ride, and I'm ready to step into another part of life," Ludwig said.

He told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram he will be a scout in the Stars' organization.

The Stars had told him that he would not be offered a new contract for next season. He had talks with the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings about a contract to play another year, but he said he decided against joining another team because he felt he would be "betraying" the Stars.

So, he took the front-office job with the Stars.

"I think what it came down to was I really wanted to be a part of this organization and continue to build what they're building here," he said.

The 38-year-old Ludwig played on two Stanley Cup champion teams, the 1986 Montreal Canadiens and last year's Stars.