GRAND FORKS — Former UND and Warroad hockey standout T.J. Oshie officially announced his retirement from the NHL after 17 seasons on Monday.
Oshie has been dealing with back injuries for the past two seasons.
“After 17 unforgettable years in the NHL, I’ve decided to retire,” Oshie said in a statement. “I would like to thank the Washington Capitals and the St. Louis Blues for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love, all of my teammates who battled with me every night, my coaches who challenged me to be better every day, and the athletic trainers and equipment staff who got me ready to play. I also want to thank the fans – your energy and passion made every game memorable, and it was an honour to play in front of you.”
Oshie played in 1,010 regular-season NHL games with the Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues. He scored 302 goals and added 393 assists for 695 points.
He added 69 points (34-35-69) in 106 career playoff games, which were highlighted by winning the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018.
Oshie played three seasons of varsity hockey at Warroad, helping the Warriors to state championships in 2003 and 2005. Warroad went undefeated during Oshie’s senior season.
He stepped into UND, where he played three seasons and helped the program reach three-consecutive NCAA Frozen Fours in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Oshie signed with the Blues after his junior year.
Oshie played his first seven professional seasons with the Blues, who selected him No. 24 overall in the first round in 2005. He’s been with Washington ever since.
Oshie ranks sixth all-time among UND players in NHL games played behind James Patrick (1,280), Craig Ludwig (1,256), Zach Parise (1,254), Jonathan Toews (1,067) and Travis Zajac (1,037). Dave Christian (1,009) of Warroad also has reached the 1,000 NHL games-played mark.
On the international stage, Oshie represented Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games (Sochi 2014), three IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships (2009, 2010 and 2013) and the World Junior Championship (2006). He earned bronze at the World Championships (2013), and he gained widespread acclaim at the Olympics while representing the United States during a preliminary-round game against Russia where he converted four times on six shootout attempts including the game-winning goal.
In retirement, Oshie will reside in McLean, Virginia, with his wife, Lauren, and their four children, Lyla, Leni, Campbell and Lucy.
