Former Leaf announces his retirement from pro hockey after 12 seasons
He wasn't a Leaf/Marlie for very long, but when an alumni announces his retirement from the game, Leafs Nation is classy enough to celebrate the player's accomplishments and wish him well in the next chapter. That's what we're here to do today for 34-year-old Alex Biega, who suited up for a combined 33 games for the Leafs and Marlies last season.
Biega took to Instagram on Monday afternoon to share the news with family, friends, fans and followers, thanking everyone for their love and support over his 12-year pro hockey career. He issued the following statement on his retirement.
"My dream was to play in the NHL and I accomplished that dream. It was an honor and privilege to step on the ice every time I had the opportunity to do so. The last 12 years have been nothing short of incredible and I never took a single moment for granted.
I'm so grateful for the friends I have met throughout this hockey journey. From teammates and their families, owners, management, coaches, the staff, fans and my agent, your support means the world to me.
To my parents- Without your love and commitment none of this would be possible. I appreciate all that you did for me more than ever now that I have little hockey players of my own. And to my brothers- the competition and encouragement growing up playing together played a huge part in my success.
Last but not least, the best teammate through all of this, my wife, Diana. Thank you doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of how much I appreciate what you have done and given up for me to pursue and achieve my dream. We did this together, build a beautiful family and created some unbelievable memories along the way.
I will miss a lot from this chapter, but I'm excited to start writing this next one."
I'm so grateful for the friends I have met throughout this hockey journey. From teammates and their families, owners, management, coaches, the staff, fans and my agent, your support means the world to me.
To my parents- Without your love and commitment none of this would be possible. I appreciate all that you did for me more than ever now that I have little hockey players of my own. And to my brothers- the competition and encouragement growing up playing together played a huge part in my success.
Last but not least, the best teammate through all of this, my wife, Diana. Thank you doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of how much I appreciate what you have done and given up for me to pursue and achieve my dream. We did this together, build a beautiful family and created some unbelievable memories along the way.
I will miss a lot from this chapter, but I'm excited to start writing this next one."
Biega was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the 147th overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. While he never played a full 82-game NHL season, Biega did make it into 243 career NHL games, amassing 4 goals and 38 assists for 42 points. He also racked up 122 penalty minutes during his NHL run.
We'd like to wish Alex and his family all the best in whatever comes next and congratulate him on his retirement.
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