It was off the cuff, perhaps a little awkward, but it was Cal Clutterbuck.
The Welland native took to Instagram last week to officially announce his retirement after 17 National Hockey League (NHL) seasons.
Clutterbuck spent six seasons with the Minnesota Wild and 11 with the New York Islanders.
“I was a little lost for words, I wasn’t getting emotional,” explained Clutterbuck when contacted by The Niagara Independent and asked about his retirement announcement.
“My decision had been made for a long time, I just was really unsure on how to make that announcement. I was a little worried that the video was a little too unconventional but after some convincing from my wife that it was perfectly me I decided to just take the leap and put it out.”
Before his NHL career, Clutterbuck played 54 games with the then Welland Jr. B Cougars, then it was onto the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors. He was drafted in the third round, 72nd overall, of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by Minnesota.
Having a little time to sit back and reflect after last week’s announcement, the now 37-year old described his career like this.
“First word was surprised that I even got there, and then consistency would be the number one word I would use to describe it. I was most proud of how consistent I was,” said Clutterbuck who played in 1,064 NHL games , including 81 in the playoffs, where he recorded an all-time high 4,029 hits.
As for his favorite highlight or memory, Clutterbuck offered this.
“I did score what was the last goal at the Nassau Coliseum – before we moved – I scored an empty-net goal against the Washington Capitals in Game 6 to push to Game 7, but the Nassau Coliseum and playoff games in there were just unbelievable. There’s nothing like it.”
Clutterbuck’s biggest influence over his career was actually two people.
“I’d probably have to say my mom and dad,” said Clutterbuck. “When all the chips are down, and I had a couple of instances where things were a little murky and I wasn’t sure, they were always there to kind of give me what I needed to get me through that moment. There’s nobody that can help any kid more than mom and dad.”
Clutterbuck became part of the Islanders television broadcast crew this past season, and media work is something he plans on continuing in the future.
Over one-thousand games and over four-thousand hits – not too shabby for someone that grew up in Welland.
Clutterbuck’s message to the people of the Rose City and the Niagara Region was much like his retirement announcement – short and to the point, but something we can all appreciate.
“Thank you for everything. It was a great place to grow up and try and cultivate a career. I will forever be grateful to everyone I cross paths with.”
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
