'Inspired a lot of kids.' Three-time Stanley Cup champ, Hamden native Jonathan Quick, retires from hockey
Coaches from his hometown recognized his athletic talents early, like former pro hockey player Todd Hall. "When I scored on him in practice, he would grab the puck and push it back to me and say, 'shoot again.' Every single time," Hall says. "He didn't get mad; he just got focused. I think that's what he's done his whole entire career."
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Connecticut's Jonathan Quick took to the ice for the final time as an NHL player tonight.
The entire New York Rangers team donned Quick's #32 jersey in warm-ups for their game against the Panthers.
Quick has more wins than any other American goalie in NHL history.
Before the three Stanley Cup titles, the future Hall of Famer was born in Milford and raised in Hamden.
Coaches from his hometown recognized his athletic talents early, like former pro hockey player Todd Hall.
"When I scored on him in practice, he would grab the puck and push it back to me and say, 'shoot again.' Every single time," Hall says. "He didn't get mad; he just got focused. I think that's what he's done his whole entire career."
Bill Verneris not only coached Quick for two years at Hamden high school, but he was also Quick's boss at Rainbow Cleaners in town.
"He said to me, "coach, I need a job." And I remember saying to him, "John, I don't think you want to work here. He goes "No, I need a job." And so he worked at the counter, and he did a good job!"
Quick played his last few years of high school hockey at Avon Old Farms.
Other hockey pros have come out of Connecticut, but none as accomplished as Quick.
His hometown is beaming with pride as the future hall of famer calls it a career.
"We're so proud of you," Verneris says. "Incredible career and you're a special young man."
"I think he inspired a lot of kids," Hall says. "The truth is, it's so hard to do what he did, regardless of where he grew up. The percentage is so minute, but it's possible."
