After days of speculation, Joe Pavelski officially retired from the NHL on Tuesday, July 16, marking the end of an illustrious 18-season career.
Pavelski, who turned 40 on July 11, played as a forward, specializing in center and right wing, from 2006 to 2024. He spent his first 13 seasons with the San Jose Sharks in California and his final five seasons with the Dallas Stars in Texas. Additionally, during the 2012-13 NHL lockout, Pavelski played for Dinamo Minsk in the KHL in Belarus.
Known as “Captain America” and “Little Joe,” Pavelski’s journey began in Plover, Wisconsin. Born to a Polish family with the original surname Pawelski, Pavelski rose from modest beginnings. His mother Sandy reminisced in a 2010 interview with the Stevens Point Journal, saying, “He loved anything athletic, and hockey was just a good fit for the winter. You didn’t realize that your son was that good.”
Pavelski’s immediate family includes his father Mike and three siblings: Jerry, Sheri, and Scott. While Scott did not make it to the NHL, he played four years as a forward for the University of New Hampshire’s men’s hockey team.
Drafted 205th overall in the seventh round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the Sharks, Pavelski’s career took off quickly. He scored one goal in his first game and seven goals in his first 12 games, becoming a regular on the Sharks’ roster during the 2007-08 season. That season, he played in all 82 regular-season games and all 13 postseason games, establishing himself as one of the team’s best and most consistent young players.
Pavelski’s career continued to flourish. He led the Sharks to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final in 2016, finishing as the postseason leader in goals with 14 and third in points with 23 despite scoring just one goal in the final series.
During my time as a journalist covering the Sharks and Stars, I had the privilege of seeing Pavelski in action in both San Jose and Dallas. On the ice, he was a skilled player; off the ice, he was a commendable individual who supported the media and fans, achieved personal milestones, and mentored other players.
Pavelski, a former Sharks captain, hinted at retirement following the Stars’ postseason run. His announcement generated significant buzz, and his career accomplishments are noteworthy. In Dallas, he reached his 1000th career point on January 1, 2023, and his family supported teammate Wyatt Johnston during Johnston’s first two NHL seasons. Johnston expressed his gratitude to CBS News in June 2024, stating, “There’s so much that I’ve learned from him, and I can’t thank him and his family enough for what they’ve done for me.”
Pavelski’s contributions to hockey and his community have been immense. Although he did not win a Stanley Cup, he played in 963 games for the Sharks and 369 games for the Stars. He also represented the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, winning a silver medal and earning the nickname “Swiss Army Knife” for his versatility.
Best of luck in retirement, Mr. Pavelski!
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