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Curtis Zupke grew up in Los Angeles and got hooked on hockey (along with thousands of other Southern Californians) upon Wayne Gretzky’s arrival to the Kings in 1988.

He covered the Anaheim Ducks for the Orange County (Calif.) Register from 2006 to 2011.

His work has also appeared in The Hockey News, Associated Press and QMI Agency (a Quebec-based wire service that serves 250 daily and weekly newspapers in Canada).

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Sharks' Blake calls it quits after 20 seasons Print
Pacific
Written by J.P. Hoornstra   
Friday, June 18, 2010 14:26
San Jose Sharks captain Rob Blake confirmed the worst-kept secret in hockey Thursday: After 20 seasons, he's retiring.

The 40-year-old Blake is 10th on the all-time list with 240 goals by a defenseman. His 136 power-play goals are the third-most by a defenseman, trailing only Raymond Bourque (173) and Al MacInnis (166). He also had 537 assists and 777 points in 1,270 games for the Kings, Avalanche and Sharks.

A sure-fire Hall of Famer, Blake had seven goals and 30 points in 70 games for the Sharks last season. He also had a goal, an assist and 10 penalty minutes in 15 playoff games.

“I was very fortunate to play 20 years in the NHL,” Blake said. “I would like to thank (general manager) Doug Wilson and the San Jose Sharks for allowing me this opportunity to say thank you to the teammates and organizations that have helped make this a very memorable journey. I also want to thank my family for all of their support throughout my career.”

Blake won his only Stanley Cup as a member of the Avalanche in 2001. He also has an Olympic gold medal with Canada in 2002 and a Norris Trophy with Los Angeles in 1998. He is one of only 24 players in hockey history to join the “Triple Gold Club”, winning a World Championship (Canada, 1994 and 1997), Olympic gold medal and the Stanley Cup.

Throughout his career, the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder was annually among the most gifted two-way players at his position.

“Rob is a prime example of what is great about the game of hockey – the best players never act like they are bigger than the game," Wilson said. "He had the ability to lead in the dressing room not only because of his elite skill level but also because his blue-collar heartbeat allowed him to relate to and earn the respect of all of his teammates."

Blake's retirement opens a healthy debate over who will be named captain in San Jose. In his only season as captain, Blake succeeded Patrick Marleau, who had his letter taken away after several productive regular seasons that were followed by playoff disappointments. Veteran defenseman Dan Boyle, who became an alternate captain last season for the first time in his career, is considered the leading candidate.

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Last Updated on Friday, June 18, 2010 15:31