NHL’s Roberts retires from Tampa Bay

Three-time All-Star Gary Roberts retired Tuesday from the Tampa Bay Lightning, ending his 21-career in the National Hockey League.

Roberts, a left wing, was acquired by the Lightning from Pittsburgh in the off-season and played in 30 games with Tampa scoring four goals and three assists. He finishes his career with 438 goals, 910 points and 2,560 penalty minutes in 1,224 regular-season games with Tampa, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Toronto and Calgary, which drafted him 12th overall in the 1984 NHL draft.

Roberts was a member of the Flames’ 1989 Stanley Cup championship team.

Serious back and neck injuries forced him to retire in 1996 at age 30, but he returned for the 1997-98 season as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.

He appeared in 130 post-season games, posting 32 goals and 93 points in 130 games and played with Pittsburgh in last season’s Stanley Cup Finals.

Today, I am officially announcing my retirement from the National Hockey League, Roberts said. I am extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to be a part of this great league.