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Friday, November 3, 2000
Avalanche vet prepares for life after NHL
Associated Press
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DENVER -- Looking for something to do once his illustrious
on-ice career ends, Avalanche defenseman Ray Bourque announced
Tuesday that he has become an equity partner and board member of
hockey retailer 1800FACEOFF.com.
"I've been in the game of hockey my whole life now, playing
professionally for over 22 years," Bourque said. "I'll stay on
the ice as long as I can but it's a given that I'll have to retire
soon and I would like to do something else after I'm done playing
to stay in the game somehow, someway."
The 39-year-old Bourque said his role in the Rollinsford, N.H.-based company, at least for now, will be that of a
company spokesman and to make appearances on its behalf.
Company CEO Craig Ried and Bourque did not disclose the terms of
the deal. 1800FACEOFF.com is a private company that sells ice
hockey, roller hockey and figure skating equipment on the Internet,
through catalogs and retail pro shops.
Ried said the addition of Bourque's experience and reputation to
the company "speaks clearly to our credibility and ability to take
hockey to new heights."
The Web site bills 1800FACEOFF.com as providing "superior
customer service" and offering "the widest selection of hockey
equipment, merchandise and accessories from leading manufacturers
at discount prices."
Bourque, who played 21 years for the Boston Bruins before he was
traded to Colorado in March, has scored 404 career goals, more than
any other defenseman, and has 1,123 assists, good for third in NHL
history. He also has scored 1,527 points, tying Boston's Paul
Coffey for most by a defenseman.
Yet for all his success, Bourque has never won the Stanley Cup
and asked to be traded to improve his chances. But the trade came
with a price -- Bourque's two oldest children stayed behind to
finish high school in Massachusetts.
He said traveling has taken its toll on his family life and he
is not interested in becoming a coach.
"My long-term plans are to finish my career and come back to
Boston," he said. "This is an opportunity for me to stay in the
area where I've been for more than half my life and it really makes
sense."
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