Kris Versteeg announced his retirement from professional hockey Tuesday.
The 33-year-old forward played for seven NHL teams (Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Panthers, Hurricanes, Kings and Flames) during his 11-year NHL career, including five with the Blackhawks that included two Stanley Cup championships in 2010 and 2015.
Versteeg had high-end offensive skills mixed with a high compete level on the ice, but at times he tried to do too much which led to the Chicago fanbase uniting with a “dammit Versteeg!” on Twitter. But his personality and wit off the ice made him one of the fan favorites.
With his retirement official, Second City Hockey asked its Twitter followers to share their favorite memories of Versteeg’s time with the Blackhawks.
Yelling DAMMIT VERSTEEG a lot
— Krista, Chaotic Jewish 🏴 (@lechatsavant) April 14, 2020
The video of him and Ladd getting lunch at Palace Grill.
— Becky (@EvilJif) April 14, 2020
Game highlights
Versteeg had his fair share of memorable on-ice moments, especially during Chicago’s 2010 championship run. He’s also the only athlete to score at the United Center, Wrigley Field (2010 Winter Classic vs. Red Wings) and Soldier Field (2014 Stadium Series vs. Penguins).
— Time to Fly Back to Jupiter, FL (@Topps27) April 14, 2020
OT GWG vs Canucks in 2010 playoffs. His hustle and assist on the 2nd goal in game 5 of the 2015 SCF is a close second for me.
— Joe (@TPF8819) April 14, 2020
Kris Versteeg officially announced his retirement from pro hockey this morning.
Personally, this is my favorite goal that he scored as a Blackhawk (and probably my favorite period ever).
Thank you, Kris. Two-time Stanley Cup champion in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/8ZM80cN4up
— Vintage Hawks (@VintageHawks) April 14, 2020
*Versteeg’s assist in Game 5 of the 2015 Cup Final starts at 2:48
Rally memories
Versteeg offered some laughs at the Blackhawks’ 2010 and 2015 Stanley Cup rallies by showing off his rap skills. In 2010, he did a solo performance and in 2015 he was joined by Joakim Nordstrom.
Congratulations on a great career, Steeger!
What a moment from the 2010 Stanley Cup Parade 😂 pic.twitter.com/LYTfQhD2lJ
— This Day in Chicago Sports (@ChiSportsDay) April 14, 2020
Personal interactions
Bright and early in 2010 after they returned from philly. A drunk versteeg dropped my Jersey twice trying to sign it 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/3XR3zZt18V
— Mathew Rabin (@pretzeldealer) April 14, 2020
Mine is off the ice. A few days after they won the Cup in 2015, I was in the Walgreens across from Grant Park and I spotted him buying stuff there. I just asked him for a selfie, he agreed, I congratulated him, and that was that. pic.twitter.com/oLqqxhUS6m
— Dee Chancey 🇮🇪🇺🇸🍩🌊🥀💎 (@ChanceyPaul) April 14, 2020
Last summer at the Blackhawks Convention after day 2 of the convention. I went out to get dinner when I was walking down the street from the hotel I met Kris Versteeg and got to talk to him for about 10 minutes. And it was awesome to get to meet Steeger. pic.twitter.com/PThle7cS5J
— Windy City Hawkey (@Nick_Hawks_Talk) April 14, 2020
Me: Okay Kris…shoot at me
Kris: You sure? How close?
Me: Close enough to be convincing*later*
Me: Spray the camera. Big as you can.
Kris: Between this & shooting at you, I hope they’re paying you extra for this.Best player I’ve had the privilege of working with. Class act. pic.twitter.com/wk6fq0BkOa
— Brad Repplinger (@TCRBrad) April 14, 2020
Drop a comment below with your favorite Versteeg memories.