St Louis Blues Defenseman Retires via Personal Goodbye

Veteran defenseman Carl Gunnarsson has retired from the NHL after playing 12 seasons with two different franchises. He penned a letter via NHL.com to say goodbye to the game he loves and let's just say it pulls on the heart strings.

Gunnarsson spent five seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and finished his career with the St Louis Blues. This season he appeared in 12 games, recording two assists. He finishes his career with 629 games played, 30 goals, 108 points and 68 playoff games including a Stanley Cup with the Blues. Dion Phaneuf calls Gunnarsson the best d-partner he's ever had, as he was known for his steady defensive play and solid positioning.

Here's some of the letter you can check out via NHL.com:

She is a thing of beauty, isn't she?

The game of hockey swept me off my feet the first time I saw her. It was love at first sight when my dad introduced me to her about 30 years ago. Looking back at how it all started and the long road it's been, I still can't believe that I was one of the few lucky ones to make it to the NHL.

Countless hours at the rink - and countless memories - it's all been about having fun with friends at practice and games, falling in love with the game each time we step on the ice.

I've never been a star or the best player on any of the teams I've been on, not even as a kid. And if you ask anyone who saw me play growing up if they thought I'd one day play in the NHL, I don't think anyone could honestly say yes. Me included. It just seemed so far away....

As I hang up my skates for the last time I'm not sure what the future holds for me. But I know I'll love the game of hockey, no matter how hard she makes it.

So I'd like to thank her, the game of hockey, for letting me love her and for all that she has given.

I'd like to thank all the fans, friends, staff, coaches, teammates and everyone I've crossed paths with during my time with her.

And to my family - none of this would've been possible without you. I love you.

Photo credit:  David Berding-USA TODAY Sports