DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday afternoon.

"For me it's a day of mixed emotions," said Yzerman during a news conference held at 1 p.m. at the Olympia Room inside Joe Louis Arena. Yzerman was joined by Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, General Manager Ken Holland and Senior Vice-President Jim Devellano.

Yzerman, 41, said, "I've finally made a definite decision on my future. I feel very relieved and very comfortable to let everyone know that I have decided to retire, hang up my skates and I feel really good about that."

"My intention throughout the season was to retire, play one last year," said Yzerman. "I really enjoyed my final season here with the Red Wings. I thought about it a lot, about coming back and playing this season. This is the right decision for me at this time. I really have no doubt about that."

He said the season ended in disappointment and that he had hoped to win another Stanley Cup.

Yzerman has played with the Red Wings since his NHL career began at age 18 in 1983. He has been the team's captain since 1986 and has won three Stanley Cup trophies with the team during his career, in 1997, 1998 and 2002.

Yzerman said when he was drafted in 1983, he immediately took great pride in being a part of the Red Wings organization and an "Original Six" team. He said he was excited to play in Detroit with the team's history and players including Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsey, who were present at Monday's news conference.

"It's a special place to play. It's a special city to live in when you are an athlete," said Yzerman.

Yzerman said to Ilitch, Holland and Devellano that he believes they have accomplished a lot of the plans they had for the team 20 years ago.

Yzerman thanked fans, the Red Wings organization, the Ilitch family, the media and players and coaches he has played with throughout his career.

"Each coach I have played for has had a positive impact on my career," said Yzerman.

He said he has had the opportunity to play against some of the greatest hockey players in the world and future Hall Of Famers.

"It's been a wonderful era of hockey for me to be a part of," said Yzerman.

Yzerman said he started playing hockey when he was 5 years old and he has been a hockey player ever since.

He said he is now looking forward to spending free time with his wife, Lisa, and their three daughters, who he said have taken a back seat to his career.

"I look forward to a future in the game of hockey with the Red Wings in some aspect," said Yzerman. "I've had a wonderful career and I really will miss it."

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