Gorges hangs up skates

Josh Gorges has officially retired from hockey.

The Kelowna NHLer took to social media Monday morning to make the announcement.

“I would like to take the time to officially announce my retirement from the #NHL and the game of hockey,” he said.

Gorges said even though this is a sad day, he is excited about the next chapter in his life "and the opportunity to be back at home with my family." 

“There (are) too many people to thank on here, but those of you who helped me along the way and helped me make my dreams come true, I am forever grateful,” he said.

Gorges said he loves the game of hockey and always will.

“It has given me everything I have today, taught me to be a man, taught me valuable life lessons that I would not have gotten anywhere else,” he said.

The 34 year old played for the Kelowna Rockets from 2000 to 2004. He captained the team to the Memorial Cup title in 2004 and went on to play for the NHL's San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadians and Buffalo Sabres.

Gorges has also spent time working with the Kelowna Rockets and was scheduled to make an announcement at 10:45 a.m. Castanet reporter Madison Erhardt is at a Kelowna Rockets press conference and will provide updates once available.