NHL-Blues Defenseman MacInnis Retires at 42

NEW YORK - St Louis Blues defenseman Al MacInnis has retired after 23 seasons in the NHL.

"His accomplishments will serve as a significant part of this organisation's permanent history and lore," said Blues president Mark Sauer in a statement.

"We look forward to honouring him this season during a special night and allowing all of our fans to applaud him on the ice once again."

An eye injury suffered in October 2003 led to the 42-year-old MacInnis's retirement, according to the NHL's official website.

"There's not always a storybook ending to everyone's career and no one wants to end their career on an injury or lockout," MacInnis told the Belleville (Illinois) News-Democrat in May.

"But I've played a long time, played probably 21 more years than I thought I ever would. In that sense I'm very fortunate and very lucky."

MacInnis, known for his booming slapshot, played in 13 All-Star games during his career with the Calgary Flames and the Blues.

He ranks third all-time among NHL defensemen in goals (340), assists (934) and points (1,274) and fifth with 1,416 games played.

The Flames won the Stanley Cup in 1989 behind MacInnis, who was selected the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the post-season's most valuable player. He also played on Canada's gold medal- winning 2002 Olympic team.

MacInnis has accepted a staff position with the team's hockey operations and marketing efforts, the Blues said.