The close of one chapter, and the open of another.
Mike Fisher, husband of country superstar Carrie Underwood and captain of the Nashville Predators, has announced in an open letter to the Tennessean his plans to retire from the National Hockey League.
In the letter, the No. 12 center remarks on his 17-year career and his final season, during which he lead the Preds to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final.
“Knowing we were so close to winning it all in June only makes it more difficult to leave it behind,” Mike says, “but I do so with hope. Endings are always tough, but I believe when something ends, there are new beginnings, new opportunities and new things to be excited for, too.”
Isaiah’s dad goes on to say he’ll miss his “teammates, [his] coaches and the game itself,” explaining his decision to retire came after much prayer.
“I kept praying for peace about the next step in my life. A peace that said this is God’s will for your future. A peace that said whether or not this was the right time to walk away," Mike says. " I don’t believe it came in a single instance or some aha moment, but as time passed, I gradually became certain that it was right for me to retire. I believe God gave me the ability to play hockey, and I was helped by dozens of individuals along the way, so it’s not just up to me on when it’s time to say goodbye.”
Mike began his NHL career in 1999 with the Ottawa Senators. After 11 seasons, he joined the Nashville Predators in 2010, the same year he and Carrie wed.
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