The Claude calls it quits

If you haven't seen it, Joe Sakic is finally hanging up the skates. Hell of a player, that one. Less publicized, however is the recent re-retirement of one of this former teammates...

THE CLAUDE

Claude Lemieux was one of those players that, to a young hockey fan, was the kind of guy you hated, but secretly wanted on your team. A total ass kicker with some nice offensive upside.

I remember many days as a young Penguins fan that I would find myself hating the Capitals, and only respecting the Devils. After all, in the mid-90's, they were a hell of a force.

And who was the other Lemieux (at least the other one who mattered) in all the Sega NHL games? The Claude.

As much as I should dislike someone who spent my childhood wreaking havoc on my top two teams (Penguins and Red Wings respectively...don't ask), I have nothing but respect for The Claude

As much as I should lose that respect for him after his failed (and brief) comeback, like I did for Scotty Niedermayer, I can't. He's The Claude.

So, I toast you, Mr. Lemieux. Thanks for all the memories. And please...stay retired this time!