Bryan Bickell is finishing his NHL career where it all began -- in Chicago.
Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that they had officially signed Bickell to a one-day contract so that he could retire with the franchise that drafted him back in 2004. Bickell spent 384 games of his 395 game career with the Blackhawks, helping the team win two Stanley Cups.
Last season Bickell was traded to the Hurricanes in the summer, but missed the majority of the season after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While the 31-year-old forward missed significant time, he was able to return for the final four games of the season.
On Wednesday morning, with his daughter Kinsley in his arms, Bickell addressed the media at his retirement press conference discussing what it felt like to be a member of the team and how he felt after receiving his diagnosis last season.
What a special moment between father and daughter. With the start of the hockey season just hours away it can be easy to get caught up in statistics and discussing which teams will make the playoffs this year, but it's moments like these that remind us what we really care about the most in sports: the athletes themselves.
Bickell's may have retired on Wednesday, but you can be assured that no one will forget Bickell's incredible story.
