Brian Rolston, a Michigan-born winger who scored 342 National Hockey League goals playing for five teams, retired from the league after 17 seasons on Tuesday.
Rolston, who made his NHL debut in 1995 playing for the Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, also had stints in Colorado, Boston, Minnesota and New Jersey for a second time before finishing his playing career in the 2011-12 season, splitting time between the New York Islanders and a second stint with the Bruins. He appeared in all seven games of the Bruins Eastern Conference Quarterfinal loss to the Washington Capitals, notching a goal and two assists.
"Getting the chance to play the game I love for 17 years has truly been a dream come true," said Rolston. "My career has taken me to many great places where I had the privilege to play with some exceptional teammates and in the best league in the world. The memories of all my experiences will certainly stick with me for the rest of my life. I am grateful for the overwhelming support of my friends, family and fans throughout my career."
Rolston was drafted 11th overall in the first round of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. After attending Lake Superior State, Rolston spent nearly two years with the AHL's Albany River Rats, before being called up to New Jersey for their first championship season and never looking back. Rolston will be noted for having a particularly excellent slap shot, as evidenced by nearly 350 goals, as well as his solid two-way play, learned by playing for many years under Jacques Lemaire.
The Flint, Michigan native also represented the United States in international competition. He played in the 1994, 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympic games, scoring seven goals in eight games at Lillehammer in 1994. He also played -- albeit, only in one game -- on the winning Team USA 1996 World Cup squad assembled by Lou Lamoriello. He also represented the U.S. in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and in the 1996 World Championships.