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Ray Whitney: Former Coyote Calls It A Career

By William Grigsby

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Ray Whitney retires after 22 years in the NHL

The Wizard ends a 22 NHL year career, amassing 1,064 points (385 goals, 679 assists) in 1,330 regular-season games.

In an announcement earlier today, Whitney said:

"“For the past 23 years, I have had the privilege of earning my living playing hockey in the National Hockey League,” Whitney said in a statement released by his agency, CAA Sports. “Along the way, I have made countless memories and friendships, which I will always cherish. Every city I played in, the fans welcomed my family and me with open arms, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of my teammates and coaches, especially the 2006 Stanley Cup team in Carolina. I was lucky to have great agents at CAA Sports, who stood by me through the good times and the tough times. I want to say a special thank you to my parents, who gave me the chance to do what I loved. Finally, I want to thank my wife Brijet, and our three beautiful children, who have been incredibly supportive of me throughout my career. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to live my dream.”"

Ray Whitney played for the then Phoenix Coyotes for two seasons, heading to the team in 2010-2011 and leaving again after the 2011-2012 season.

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    • Whitney may have only been with the team for two seasons, but they were important seasons, indeed; during that final stretch of his tenure in Arizona, the team went to the Western Conference finals.

    During his short stint in Phoenix he had 41 goals and 93 assists in 157 games — good for 134 points in a Coyotes jersey, while his +/- total was a massive +26. He was an excellent playmaker with soft hands, and an excellent power play contributor.

    Whitney was chosen by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (No. 23) of the 1991 NHL Draft, and made his NHL debut with San Jose on April 15, 1992. His NHL career was with eight different teams over twenty-two years, and they were all fortunate to have such a quality player. His longest tenure, though, was with the Carolina Hurricanes — where he was able to hoist the Cup, winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.

    What I’ll remember most about Ray as a key contributor in the NHL was his off-center sense of humor. There were many an occasion that the FOX Sports AZ reporter (usually Todd Walsh) would attempt to do an interview with a Coyotes skater, only to have Whitney slide in the background of the camera shot and make strange faces. It cracked me up every time! Here he is doing it to Tyler Seguin of the Stars.

    I’m not quite sure what Whitney will do now, but I certainly believe he has a future as a color commentator for a hockey TV network — if you think Tyson Nash is fun, imagine Whitney in his shoes.

    He has played the game many years, and possesses the insight to be a great TV commentator. He certainly has the sense of humor for it!

    Great career Ray Whitney, I know I was totally entertained watching while you played in Phoenix. Good luck in your future ventures. The game will miss you!

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