Former Flames, Oilers forward Derek Ryan retires from hockey

A longtime Battle of Alberta combatant is calling it a career.

Former Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers forward Derek Ryan announced his retirement from hockey on Friday.

Ryan, 38, played 606 games in the NHL after breaking in as an undrafted free agent.

He began his career with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he spent three seasons before moving to the Flames for three more. The Spokane, Wash., native rounded out his career with four seasons in Edmonton.

Known as a defence-first centre, Ryan scored 82 goals and added 127 assists for his career. He also appeared in 60 post-season games, recording three goals and seven assists.