Lighthouse Hockey, a New York Islanders community

After 14 seasons, veteran goaltender Olaf Kolzig announced his retirement today from the National Hockey League.

Kolzig, 39, a two-time NHL All-Star (1998, 2000) and former Vezina Trophy winner (2000), appeared in a total of 719 NHL games, 711 of those with the Washington Capitals. His 303 career wins rank him 21st all-time among goaltending wins leaders. Olaf also posted a career 2.71 GAA along with a .906 save percentage and 35 shutouts.

"I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to play the game of hockey at the NHL level for many seasons and I am grateful for everything the game has given me," said Kolzig. "I would like to thank my family, all my teammates and the fans for making my time in the NHL so special."

"My mind still says yes, but my body says no,’’ laments Sillinger, who scored a goal for the Islanders in his final NHL game — a Dec. 30 date with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. "It’s about quality of life after hockey. I’ve got a lot of years left and I don’t want to be a cripple.’’