ST. LOUIS -- Seems like it was yesterday when Al MacInnis was winding up from the blue line with that howitzer slap shot of his.
The St. Louis Blues defenseman was still playing at a high rate even as a 40-year-old.
But his career was cut prematurely just three games into the 2003-04 season when MacInnis was diagnosed with a torn retina after being struck by an errant stick on Oct. 16, 2003, the second time in his career he was struck by an errant stick; the first came in 2001 against the San Jose Sharks.
Ultimately, MacInnis had surgery but would never play again, and the Blues officially announced his retirement 20 years ago today, Sept. 9, 2005.
It ended a remarkable career that included 1,274 points (340 goals and 934 assists) in 1,416 career games. His 1,274 points ranks third among defenceman behind Ray Bourque (1,579) and Paul Coffey (1,531).
In his last full season in 2002-03, MacInnis led all defencemen in scoring with 68 points (16 goals, 52 assists) and was a plus-22. MacInnis had a pair of assists in three games for the Blues what amounbted to be his final season.
MacInnis was a force with fellow Hall of Famer Chris Pronger after being acquired from the Calgary Flames on July 5, 1994 along with a pick for Phil Housley and two picks and spent the final 10 seasons of his career in St. Louis.
A 12-time All-Star, MacInnis was originally drafted by the Flames in the first round (No. 15) of the 1981 NHL Draft. He won the Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs.
Internationally, was part of Canada's gold medal Olympic team in Salt Lake City in 2002 and won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenceman in 1999.
The Blues retired his No. 2 on April 9, 2006.
MacInnis, 62, currently serves as senior advisor to the general manager.
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