Ice-hockey star Marián Hossa retires

One of the best ice hockey players of the era of the independent Slovakia, Marián Hossa, announced his retirement last weekend. Hossa missed the last season due to a progressive skin disorder and his health issues led him to take a final decision about his career. Born on January 12^th, 1979, he grew up playing ice hockey in the western Slovak town of Trenčín, where he debuted in the senior team at the age of 17. In 1997, Hossa played for Slovakia at the World Championship, becoming the youngest player to represent the country at this stage. In his 1,309 regular season NHL games Hossa earned 1134 points. The three times Stanley cup winner with Chicago Blackhawks also played for Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings.