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Scott Mellanby hangs up the skates
April 24th, 2007

Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Scott Mellanby's National Hockey League career came to an end Tuesday, as the veteran forward officially retired.

During his 21-year career, Mellanby tallied 364 goals and 476 assists for 840 points. The gritty forward also piled up 2,479 penalty minutes.

"I've been fortunate to live my dream for the past 21 years, and it's with a heavy heart that I'm retiring from the National Hockey League," said Mellanby. "I'd like to thank all of my great teammates, the fans who have supported me, and all the wonderful people I have met along the way."

The 40-year-old Mellanby played in 1,431 career games with the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues and Atlanta Thrashers. He ends his career 17th on the league's all-time games played list.

On January 20, 2006, Mellanby skated in his 1,400th game, becoming the 24th player in league history to reach that milestone.

In 136 career playoff games, Mellanby registered 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists). He made it to the Stanley Cup Finals with Philadelphia in 1987 and with Florida in 1996, but came up short both times.

His final stop in the NHL was with Atlanta after he signed with the franchise as a free agent in 2004. The Thrashers made him their captain a season later.

Mellanby helped guide Atlanta to its first playoff appearance this year, but the team suffered a four-game sweep at the hands of the New York Rangers in the conference quarterfinals.

"Scott is a tremendous individual who has earned our utmost respect as a true professional both on and off the ice," said Thrashers executive vice president and general manager Don Waddell. "He has helped our organization grow and has played an important role in helping shape a culture that will allow the Thrashers to be successful for many years to come."

He scored 24 goals and had 46 assists during his two seasons in Atlanta.

"It was a real honor to coach Scott and I wish I could have begun working with him earlier in his career," said Atlanta head coach Bob Hartley. "His experience and respect in the locker room was invaluable to the success of our club. He has helped show our younger players what it means to be a professional and how to represent an organization with class."