ON THIS DAY: January 24, 2006, Mario Lemieux announces second retirement from NHL play
ByMatt Simmons, WPXI.com
Lemieux Retires From The Penguins PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 24: Mario Lemieux announces his retirement from the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Mellon Arena January 24, 2006 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
(Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
ByMatt Simmons, WPXI.com
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Mario Lemieux announced his second and final retirement as a professional hockey player at the age of 40, on Jan. 24, 2006.
Lemieux mounted a successful comeback as an owner-player in the National Hockey League in 2000, after three years in retirement. In the meantime, he had become the majority owner of the team by leveraging his unpaid salary into equity and saving the team from bankruptcy.
The team won back-to-back Stanley Cups in the 1991 and 1992 seasons. The road from laughing-stock team to champions was largely attributable to Lemieux, and the team’s chances at a three-peat were shattered when he announced in early 1993 that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
As he battled cancer, he founded the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which has raised and donated more than $30 million to cancer research and patient care initiatives since its inception.
After a season and a half off, Lemieux returned to the Penguins on the day he completed his last radiation treatment, flying straight to Philadelphia where he received a standing ovation from the usually hostile Flyers’ fans when he took the ice.
Penguins coach Eddie Johnston was asked what Lemieux’s return meant to the team. He looked skyward, made the sign of the cross and said, “I thank God for him every day.”
1 of 154
1996 46th NHL All-Star Game: Western Conference v Eastern Conference BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 20: Jaromir Jagr #68 and Mario Lemieux #66 both of the Eastern Conference and the Pittsburgh Penguins stand on the ice before the 1996 46th NHL All-Star Game against the Western Conference on January 20, 1996 at the FleetCenter in Boston, Massachusetts. The Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 5-4. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
NHL Awards Lemieux 19 Jun 1996: Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins wins the Hart Trophy during the NHL Awards ceremony at the Metro Convention Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Celebs Carry Olympic Flame 398924 01: Torchbearer Mario Lemieux passes the Olympic Flame to Ashley Barrasso during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Torch Relay December 20, 2001 in Wilkinsburg, PA. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images) (Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins v New Jersey Devils EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 5: Center Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks to make a pass against the New Jersey Devils on October 5, 2005 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Penguins 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux 27 Dec 1992: Center Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins moves down the ice during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins v New Jersey Devils EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 5: Center Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins passes against the New Jersey Devils on October 5, 2005 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Penguins 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux (Bruce Bennett/)
Capitals v Penguins X Lemieux 16 Apr 2001: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins takes a shot against the Washington Capitals during the first period action in game three of the Eastern Conference Playoff Quarterfinals of the 2001 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Melon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. <> Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
2005 National Hockey League Draft Portraits OTTAWA, ONT - JULY 30: (L-R) Mario Lemieux and first overall draft pick Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins pose together for a portrait during the 2005 National Hockey League Draft on July 30, 2005 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo By Brian Bahr/Getty Images for NHL) (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux looks to pass CHICAGO - OCTOBER 30: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks to pass during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 30, 2003 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Penguins defeated the Blackhawks 1-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Pittsburgh Penguins PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 8: Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby #87 is congratulated by teammates Mark Recchi #8, Mario Lemieux #66 and Ryan Malone after scoring his first NHL goal in the second period against the Boston Bruins at Mellon Arena on October 8, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
NHL All-Star Game 18 Jan 1997: Centers Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux of the Eastern All-Stars shake hands with center Viacheslav Fetisov of the Western All-Stars during the 47th NHL All-Star Game at the San Jose Arena in San Jose, California. The East won the game 11-7 (Glenn Cratty/Getty Images)
Lemieux Retires From The Penguins PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 24: Mario Lemieux announces his retirement from the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Mellon Arena January 24, 2006 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
2005 National Hockey League Draft Portraits OTTAWA, ONT - JULY 30: (L-R) First overall draft pick Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins pose together for a portrait during the 2005 National Hockey League Draft on July 30, 2005 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images for NHL) (Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
OLY M CAN v SWE Final X 15 Feb 2002: Mario Lemieux races past the Swedish bench with the puck during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games at the E Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux 1990: Center Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates down the ice during a game. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Lemieux Retires From The Penguins PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 24: Mario Lemieux announces his retirement from the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Mellon Arena January 24, 2006 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Penguins V Canadiens Center Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins (center) gets into a fight with a pair of Montreal Canadiens players during a game at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec. (Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Lemieux and Hrdina celebrate WASHINGTON - APRIL 14: Mario Lemieux #66 and Jan Hrdina #38 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate after scoring against the Washington Capitals in Game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs on April 14, 2001 at MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Penguins won 2-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI)
Pittsburgh Penguins v Buffalo Sabres BUFFALO - OCTOBER 10: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Buffalo Sabres during the NHL game at the HSBC Arena on October 10, 2005 in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres defeated the Penguins 3-2 in overtime. (Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images) (Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs New Jersey Devils EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 1: John Madden #11 of the New Jersey Devils faces off against Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 1, 2005 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The Penquins defeated the Devils 4-3 in overtime.(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Lemieux led from ice PITTSBURGH - FEBRUARY 6: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins is led from the ice by linesman Ray Scapinello #53 after a fight with Brad Ference #45 of the Florida Panthers at the Mellon Arena on February 6, 2003 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Panthers defeated the Penguins 6-0. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI)
2005 National Hockey League Draft Portraits OTTAWA, ONT - JULY 30: (L-R) Mario Lemieux and first overall draft pick Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins pose together for a portrait during the 2005 National Hockey League Draft on July 30, 2005 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images for NHL) (Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux (Bruce Bennett/)
NHL SuperSkills X 01 Feb 2002: Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the NHL Allstar Skills competition at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The World Team defeated North America 21-11. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images/NHLI (Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)
Sabres v Penguins X Lemieux 8 May 2001: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his equalizing goal with one minute remaining in regulation against the Buffalo Sabres in game six of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2001 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. <> Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins v Atlanta Thrashers ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 9: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Atlanta Thrashers on November 9, 2005 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The Thrashers won the game 5-0. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
American Airlines NHL Salute to a Generation of Stars DALLAS - JANUARY 22: (L-R) Larry Murphy, Luc Robitaille, Mario Lemieux, Paul Coffey, Adam Oates, Raymond Bourque, Al MacInnis, Phil Housley and Mark Messier pose for a portrait during the American Airlines NHL Salute to a Generation of Stars at the American Airlines Center on January 22, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Sabres v Penguins X 8 May 2001: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in action against the Buffalo Sabres during game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defeat the Sabres 3-2 in overtime.DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Penguins v Sabres X 10 May 2001: Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins leaves the ice after his team beat the Buffalo Sabres during game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. The Penguins defeat the Sabres 3-2 in overtime.DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Lemieux shoots puck TORONTO - OCTOBER 12: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins fires a shot on goal during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 14, 2002 at the Air Canada Centre,Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI) (Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)
Lemieux looks on PITTSBURGH - MAY 2: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on in Game four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Buffalo Sabres during the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs on May 2, 2002 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Sabres won 5-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI)
Mario Lemieux #66 21 Jan 2001: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins controls the puck during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Penguins defeated the Blackhawks 4-0.Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Wayne Gretzky with Mario Lemieux NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 18: A close up Wayne Gretzky #99 of the New York Rangers is greeted by Mario Lemieux after playing in his final career game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Madison Square Garden on April 18, 1999 in New York City, New York. Gretzky played an energetic final game and added an assist on Brian Leetch's power-play goal although the Rangers finally lost to the Penguins 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux 26 Apr 1997: Center Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates down the ice during a playoff game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Corestates Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers won the game 5-3 making it Lemieux''s last game. Man (Craig Jones/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux #66 21 Jan 2001: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins controls the puck as he is guarded by Kevin Dean #6 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Penguins defeated the Blackhawks 4-0.Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux (Bruce Bennett/)
2005 National Hockey League Draft OTTAWA, ONT - JULY 30: First overall draft pick Sidney Crosby is greeted from Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2005 National Hockey League Draft on July 30, 2005 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Lemieux under pressure WASHINGTON - APRIL 14: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins controls the puck under pressure from Calle Johansson #6 and Ulf Dahlen #10 of the Washington Capitals in Game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs on April 14, 2001 at MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Penguins won 2-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI)
World Cup of Hockey Canada v USA KANATA, ON - AUGUST 25: Mario Lemieux #66 of Team Canada skates against Team USA during their exhibition game in the World Cup of Hockey on August 25, 2004 at the Corel Centre in Kanata, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/WCOH via Getty Images) (Getty Images/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux #66 21 Jan 2001: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins takes the puck down the ice during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Penguins defeated the Blackhawks 4-0.Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins v Columbus Blue Jackets PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 27: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates during warmups against the Columbus Blue Jackets during a preseason NHL game at Mellon Arena on September 27, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo By Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Lemieux skates past Barnes PITTSBURGH - MAY 2: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates past Stu Barnes #41 of the Buffalo Sabres in Game four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs on May 2, 2002 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Sabres won 5-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI)
Mario Lemieux (Bruce Bennett/)
Columbus Blue Jackets v Pittsburgh Penguins PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 27: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during a preseason NHL game at Mellon Arena on September 27, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo By Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Penguins v Maple Leafs TORONTO - OCTOBER 14: Center Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during a game on October 14, 2002 at the Air Canada Centre,Toronto, Canada. The Penguins win 5-4. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI) (Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)
Witt hacks at Lemieux WASHINGTON - APRIL 14: Brendan Witt #19 of the Washington Capitals hacks at the stick of Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs on April 14, 2001 at MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Penguins won 2-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/NHLI)
Penguins v Maple Leafs TORONTO - OCTOBER 14: Center Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins plays the puck while being defended by Karel Pilar #29 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during a game on October 14, 2002 at the Air Canada Centre,Toronto, Canada. The Penguins win 5-4. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI) (Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)
World Cup of Hockey: FIN v CAN TORONTO, ONT - SEPTEMBER 14: Borje Salming presents the World Cup of Hockey trophy to Mario Lemieux #66 of Team Canada after the 2004 World Cup of Hockey Championship game against Team Finland on September 14, 2004 at the Air Canda Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Canada defeated Finland 3-2. (Photo By Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
Mario Lemieux #66 21 Jan 2001: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins intercepts the puck during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Penguins defeated the Blackhawks 4-0.Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Chronic injuries and back pain took a physical toll on him and, while he continued to put up statistics that were enviable, lingering fatigue prompted him to retire at the end of the 1996-1997 season.
Soon after the deal was complete, Lemieux began discussions to replace the Civic Arena.
Restless after three years in retirement, Lemieux called a press conference on Dec. 11, 2000 to announce he was returning to the ice as a player. He had reportedly been working out for several months prior to the announcement and made his return to the ice on Dec. 27, 2000.
Lemieux became the first owner-player on his own team in NHL history when he took to the ice amid a standing ovation.
Lemieux didn’t just reinvigorate the Penguins, he infused the entire league with an energy and electricity that had been missing. The following seasons saw him leading the NHL in scoring until the NHL lockout canceled the 2004-2005 season.
Lemieux welcomed Crosby to the team by inviting the 18-year-old to live in his family home, and Crosby accepted. The duo carpooled to practice and grew close as Lemieux mentored Crosby.
The unconventional arrangement of a living hockey legend setting up house with his protégé and his team’s new franchise player was a comfortable one, and Crosby would continue to live with the family for several years.
Crosby set franchise records in assists and points for a rookie (passing Lemieux in both categories) and became the youngest player in NHL history to reach 100 points in a season. With the torch effectively passed from one generation to another, Lemieux retired back to his ownership duties at the age of 40, after making the announcement on Jan. 24, 2006.
A look at Mario Lemieux's career A look at Mario Lemieux's career
The Penguins have had winning seasons and have made the playoffs every year since Crosby’s second season, with three Stanley Cup victories (2009, 2016, and 2017), led by Crosby as team captain. Lemieux, of course, has his name inscribed on the Stanley Cup in five places, two as a player and three as team owner, making him the first person to win both as a player and owner.
Lemieux Proud Of Team, Says Crosby Is Like One Of His Kids Lemieux Proud Of Team, Says Crosby Is Like One Of His Kids