Hull retires five games into season

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Brett Hull, the third-leading scorer in NHL history, announced his retirement Saturday, effective immediately.

"I had so much fun coming to the rink day after day," he said at a news conference. "... It's hard because you never think you're going to grow older and be unable to live up to the expectations you set for yourself. I just thank everyone who ever touched my life in the game."

Hull, 41, had one assist in five games for the Phoenix Coyotes in his 20th NHL season.

Only Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe have more goals than Hull in NHL history.

Hull had 741 goals and 650 assists in his NHL career with Calgary, St. Louis, Dallas, Detroit and Phoenix.

He won Stanley Cup titles in 1999 with Dallas and 2002 with Detroit. Hull played in nine All-Star games.