"Maybe the last few years of soul searching each summer were trial runs in his mind as Scott Niedermayer had long been preparing for the day he decided he couldn't give any more of his body to the sport he cherishes.

And in one sense, the Ducks captain tried out the retirement thing before realizing that he couldn't stay away. But Niedermayer made it official this time, ending an 18-year NHL career as one of the best defensemen of his generation and one of hockey's most accomplished and decorated players.

The four-time Stanley Cup winner made the emotional announcement in a news conference at Honda Center with his wife, Lisa, and their sons, Logan, Jackson, Josh and Luke on hand along with a number of club officials.

"We were joking on the way in that maybe I'd change my mind on the way here ... but this is a bit of a tough decision," Niedermayer said. "After considering every aspect of this decision, the time feels right."

Niedermayer said he had been leaning toward retirement in the weeks following the season but came to a final decision last week while on a hiking vacation with his family."