Corey Crawford Stuns Hockey World With Retirement Announcement

Corey Crawford helped bring Lord Stanley to Chicago during his times with the Blackhawks before not being re-signed by the team. He announced he will officially retire, before suiting up as a New Jersey Devil.

In a statement through National Hockey League Players Association, Crow said he wanted to continue his hockey career but felt he's given all he can give to the game. This, just a day after announcing an indefinite leave of absence from the New Jersey Devils. In his retirement announcement, he acknowledged his time in Chicago, as shared by NBC Sports.

I would like to thank the Chicago Blackhawks organization for giving me the chance to live my childhood dream. I am proud to have been part of winning two Stanley Cups in Chicago.

ChicagoBlackhawks.com shared a message from the Wirtz family and the team. Here is a small portion of their message to Crow.

Corey has an unforgettable place within our organization, in our fans' hearts and in Chicago sports history. We congratulate Corey on a Hall of Fame-worthy playing career... We wish him, his wife Kristy, and sons, Cooper and Camden, nothing but the best in this next chapter.

(You can read their full message HERE.)

Corey Crawford had 260 career regular-season wins and 52 postseason wins, the latter being a Chicago Blackhawks team record.

Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Colin Delia shared their thoughts on Corey Crawford's time in Chicago, in hockey, and his retirement.

"The lessons I took away from him are absolutely invaluable." - Colin Delia

You watch Kane, Duncan, and Delia's full video HERE.

JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.