After nearly a decade of playing in the NHL, forward Tyler Kennedy has announced his retirement.

“I’m still young and I still have the itch, but everyday I wake up in the morning and I know I should not play anymore because of the injuries that I’ve had.”

With a pro career lasting 9 seasons, Kennedy played with the Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, and the New Jersey Devils. He played in over 500 games in the NHL and scored over 200 points. Kennedy won the Stanley Cup with the penguins in 2009.

Kennedy played in Worcester on a conditioning assignment during the 2014-15 season, before being called back up to the big league.

In an interview with CTV News: “I originally had a dream of playing in the NHL and winning the Stanley Cup.”, Kennedy said. “Playing for such a long time in over 500 games, I’ve accomplished a lot with what I’ve been given and I think I really did the best that I could and I thought that I had a great career.”

Post playing career, Kennedy hosts a post-game radio show after every Penguins road game. He also runs a “sniper school” with hockey youth in Pittsburgh.

Kennedy plans to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni before the Stadium Series game in February.

A full video clip can be found at CTVNews.ca.