Defenseman Brooks Orpik, the Washington Capitals’ “Batya” and veteran presence that helped guide them to their first Stanley Cup, announced his retirement from the NHL Tuesday.
The 38-year-old played 15 seasons in the league and won two Stanley Cups, one with Washington and one with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“I’ve been extremely lucky to have the best job in the world for many years, but my body is telling me it is time to move on to something new,” Orpik said in an NHLPA press release.
“I’m excited for more family time and to experience a lot of the things that being a professional athlete forces you to miss out on.