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NHL veteran Adam Foote retiring

Hard-hitting defenceman Adam Foote remained a tough guy to the end.
Adam Foote
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote is retiring after 19 years in the NHL.

DENVER — Hard-hitting defenceman Adam Foote remained a tough guy to the end.

Even in front of a room full of family and teammates, the long-time Colorado Avalanche standout kept his emotions in check as he announced his retirement Friday.

Like that, one of the final links to the team’s days as the Quebec Nordiques was done.

Well, nearly.

The 39-year-old captain plans to play in the season finale Sunday against Edmonton despite being sidelined since mid-March with a leg injury.

Foote was stoic as a video tribute played and didn’t come close to breaking down as he reflected back on a career that included two Stanley Cup titles and plenty of bone-rattling hits.