Former Canucks goalie Lack retires after taking time off with hip injury

Former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Eddie Lack is retiring from the NHL.

Lack, who had been sidelined this season with a hip injury, made the announcement Monday on his Twitter account in a four-part farewell video.

The 32-year-old from Norrtalje, Sweden, played five seasons in the NHL with Vancouver, Carolina, Calgary and New Jersey. He posted a career record of 56-55-18 with a 2.62 goals-against average and .902 save percentage.

The undrafted goaltender caught on with the Canucks in 2010-11 and played three seasons with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate before being promoted to back up Roberto Luongo for the 2013-14 season. He became the starter with the Canucks when Luongo was traded to Florida on March 14, 2014.

Lack was relegated to backup when the Canucks acquired free agent Ryan Miller the following off-season, but was thrust into the starter’s role again when the latter was hurt in late February 2015. Lack’s steady play helped the Canucks maintain a playoff position.

In two seasons in Vancouver, Lack posted a 34-30-9 record with a 2.43 GAA and a .917 save percentage.

“I think everyone knows I had the best time of my career in Vancouver,” Lack said in the video. “It’s really where I felt at home and played my best hockey.”

“I really hope you guys win a Stanley Cup soon, preferably with my guy Marky (fellow Swedish goaltender Jacob Markstrom) in net.” 

Lack was dealt to Carolina after the 2014-15 season, where he went 20-21-9 over two seasons. He played four games each for Calgary and New Jersey in 2017-18.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2020.

The Canadian Press