Rochester Americans defenseman and assistant captain Nathan Paetsch has announced his retirement from professional hockey, ending an illustrious 17-year playing career with nearly 900 games in the National Hockey League, American Hockey League and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany.
“I was extremely fortunate to play the game for as long as I have and to create so many lasting friendships with teammates, coaches, front office staff and support staff,” said Paetsch. “I couldn’t be happier to have started and finished my career with the Rochester Americans. The city and organization not only gave me a place to play, but more importantly, a home and a family. It was extremely special to begin my career as a teammate of Chris Taylor and end it with him as my coach.
“I also want to thank all the other organizations I was lucky enough to be a part of. Playing in the Stanley Cup Conference Finals with the Buffalo Sabres was truly a dream come true. Winning two Calder Cups with the Grand Rapids Griffins will always hold a special place in my heart. The bonds I share with the city and organization will last forever.
“None of this, though, would have been possible without the endless support of my loving wife, Jaclyn, and two children, Kellen and Mira. I simply cannot thank my family enough for their countless sacrifices for allowing me to pursue my dream of playing this great game.”
A native of LeRoy, Sask., the 37-year-old Paetsch appeared in 258 career games over parts of seven seasons in the red, white and blue, recording 100 points on 23 goals and 77 assists. His seven seasons in Rochester trail only Darryl Sly for the most by a defenseman in the 64-year history of the franchise and he’s one of only 20 defensemen all-time with at least 250 games as an Amerk. He also added four points (2+2) in 26 playoff appearances for Rochester, leading the Amerks to the postseason in each of his first two years with the team.
#Amerks defenseman & assistant captain @NpDefensemen has announced his retirement from professional hockey, ending a 17-year career with nearly 900 games in the @NHL, @TheAHL and the @DELoffiziell in Germany.
Read press release here ➡️ https://t.co/PUJGufXoe8#Thanks4Everything pic.twitter.com/pErh3oEdzC
— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) December 18, 2020
#StickTaps to @NpDefensemen on an outstanding career, and all the best in retirement! pic.twitter.com/O4sA3LxftX
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) December 18, 2020
Thank you, Rochester. ❤️
Forever grateful,
Nathan Paetsch (@NpDefensemen)#Thanks4Everything pic.twitter.com/N7AsKaGwMm— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) December 18, 2020
Congratulations on your retirement, Nathan! https://t.co/p6HLBPUdYA
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) December 18, 2020
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].