Andrew Ference officially retires

According to the team’s official Twitter, former Edmonton Oilers captain Andrew Ference has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey.

The native of Sherwood Park played 16 seasons in the NHL and three with the Oilers, but his time on the ice in Edmonton was cut short due to a hip injury that ultimately ended his career. Over his career, Ference played 907 games with the Penguins, who drafted him the eighth round of the 1997 draft, Flames, Bruins, and Oilers. He was a solid defenceman on the 2004 Flames squad that came within one win of the Stanley Cup, and he also played a key role on a tough Cup-winning Bruins blueline in 2011.

Ference was known for his gritty, workman play style, strong leadership, and charitable work and dedication to the community. He signed a four-year deal with the Oilers back in 2013 and was quickly named team captain and won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership and excellence on and off the ice in his first season with the club.

Congrats on your excellent career and best of luck in your future endeavours, Mr. Ference!