CHICAGO — Pat Maroon played his first and final National Hockey League game at the United Center, marking the end of a significant journey.
His 14th and concluding season wrapped up as the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night. Although the Blackhawks have two more away games, Maroon participated in the home finale before his anticipated retirement, surrounded by family and friends.
“Every career reaches its conclusion,” Maroon reflected. “It’s not everlasting. I’ve come to terms with that. I am content with my career and how it has ended.”
Defenseman Alec Martinez also suggested pre-game that this would be his final game, joining Maroon in the starting lineup.
“There’s a mix of emotions today, but I am deeply grateful to many,” Martinez commented on Chicago Sports Network, acknowledging “my family and numerous individuals who have supported me throughout my career.”
Maroon, originally from St. Louis and turning 37 on April 23, signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with Chicago as a free agent last summer. The robust forward had announced his retirement plans last month but waited until Saturday to confirm that the home finale would be his last appearance.
“He’s been fantastic and a joy to be around,” said Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard. “His extensive league experience is invaluable, and he has taught us much. Beyond that, his humor and energy are infectious, making him someone everyone enjoys being around.”
The Blackhawks honored Maroon with a video tribute during the first period. The crowd responded with a standing ovation, and an emotional Maroon expressed his gratitude by waving and touching his heart.
Maroon was drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round in 2007 and was traded to Anaheim in 2010. He debuted in the NHL with the Ducks in a shootout loss in Chicago on October 25, 2011.
In 2019, Maroon was instrumental in his hometown Blues winning their first Stanley Cup. He also secured consecutive championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
He became the fourth player in NHL history, and the first since 1964, to win the Cup three years in a row with different teams. Prior to the game against the Jets, he had recorded 126 goals and 197 assists in 847 regular-season games, also playing for Edmonton, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Boston.
“I’ve been fortunate to make a living doing what I love for many years,” Maroon stated. “Reflecting on my career, I will appreciate both the challenges in Philly and how they shaped my journey to where I am today.”
Maroon hinted at potential future involvement in hockey but emphasized his immediate focus is his family.
“Currently, my priority is family,” he said. “My wife is expecting any day now. We plan to focus on that, return to Tampa, settle down, and consider our next steps.”
Martinez, 37, another three-time Stanley Cup winner, joined Chicago as a free agent on July 1. He entered the game against Winnipeg with 88 goals and 201 assists in 861 regular-season games, having also played for Los Angeles and Vegas.
A significant moment in Martinez’s career involved the Blackhawks when he scored in overtime for Los Angeles, eliminating Chicago with a 5-4 victory in Game 7 of the memorable 2014 Western Conference Final.
Tristan Blackwood