Former Blazer Shane Doan retires after a 21 year NHL career

One of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Kamloops Blazers has called it quits on his NHL career.

Shane Doan, who has been the unwavering face of the Arizona Coyotes’ franchise, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

The Alberta native served his entire 21-year career with the franchise after being selected with the seventh overall pick in the 1995 NHL draft.

At that time, however, the franchise was located in Winnipeg, meaning Doan played his first season with the Jets before the team before they moved to Phoenix.

For a franchise that has been plagued by ownership and relocation troubles, Doan was a pillar in the desert for two decades.

“Shane had an incredible career on the ice and we are very proud of everything he accomplished in a Coyotes uniform,” said a statement from the team on Wednesday. “He will be remember as one of the greatest captains in NHL history.”

A Coyote for life. pic.twitter.com/VQU92HdsQH

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) August 30, 2017

Not only was Doan a great captain and a force to be reckoned with physically, he knew how to put the puck in the back of the net.

He scored 20 goals in at least 13 seasons and topped 50 points 11 times.

Tributes poured in from all over the hockey world, including a tweet from 2016 first overall pick, Auston Matthews, who idolized Doan while growing up in Arizona.

My childhood idol growing up. Amazing player and an even better person. Congrats on an unbelievable career Doaner !

— Auston Matthews (@AM34) August 30, 2017

“My childhood idol growing up. Amazing player and an even better person,” Matthews tweeted. “Congrats on an unbelievable career Doaner!”

Out of all the players drafted in 1995, Doan had the second most goals and points behind another former Blazer, Jarome Iginla.

The two of them could potentially suit up one last time together in February, as they’re both being considered for the 2018 Canadian Olympic team.