Hockey community caught by surprise as longtime veteran announces his retirement at age 37

"Former NHLer Peter Mueller has announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 37.

Mueller played 297 games in the NHL from 2007-2013, scoring 63 goals and 160 points with the Phoenix Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers in that span.

He also had three goals, 13 points through 18 games played with the United States mens national team from 2008-2014.

Outside of the NHL, Mueller also played professionally with:
• Kloten Flyers (NL) / 2013-2015
• Malmö Redhawks (SHL) / 2015-2016
• Providence Bruins (AHL) / 2016-2017
• EC Salzburg (EBEL) / 2017-2018
• HC Kometa Brno (ELH) / 2018-2022, 2024-2025
• HC Vitkovice (ELH) / 2022-2024
• Grizzlys Wolfsburg (DEL) / 2023-2024

He was drafted eighth-overall by Phoenix in the 2006 NHL-Entry Draft."

«This is an unexpected decision for us,» said Kometa GM Libor Zábranský. «I have been in contact with Peter for the last 14 days and I respect his decision. Of course, we will miss him and it will be difficult to replace him at this time, but that's just the way it is. We all wish his entire family only the best for the next stage of their lives.»

"Eighteen years. Eighteen years of ups and downs, lots of different countries, different places, different styles and many adventures that always meant chasing the title.

I would like to take this opportunity to officially end my hockey career. Being able to play at the highest level for eighteen years and allowing hockey to take me and my family around the world has been the greatest gift I can imagine. Meeting amazing people along the way has turned into lifelong friendships. Thank you to all the organizations that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play.

I would like to thank my parents for introducing me to hockey. The early morning wake-ups, the long car rides, and the lakes to skate on whenever it froze. They were the first to believe in me and always supported me.

To my wife Taylar and children Charlie and Rosie, thank you for being with me on this adventure and being my biggest fans. Thank you for always supporting me and keeping me going on bad days. You tried to take my mind off hockey when I needed it. Your support on this journey has been truly amazing and I couldn't have done it without you.

I have been incredibly lucky to play this sport professionally for eighteen years and I look forward to what is to come.
And thank you, Libor, for your trust, for believing in me and allowing me to play for more than twenty minutes (smile). Under your leadership, I experienced some of my most fun years in hockey and I am forever grateful to you for that. I will always be here to support Kometa!"

- Peter Mueller