George Parros, former Ducks, Kings enforcer, announces retirement

Enforcers are becoming a very rare breed in the NHL these days, and one of the most notable from the last decade has decided to call it a career.

George Parros announced his retirement Friday, capping a nine-season career that started with the Kings and included a lengthy stint with the Ducks.

Parros, 34, was limited to 22 games last season after suffering two concussions while playing with the Montreal Canadiens. He failed to sign with a team after becoming an unrestricted free agent last summer.

“It’s been an honor to play in the greatest league in the world,” Parros said in a statement. “I’ve had the most amazing support from all of the fans who have supported my many endeavors throughout my career, for that I am eternally grateful.”

The Princeton-educated Parros played six seasons in Anaheim, where his trademark mustache and penchant for fisticuffs quickly made him a fan favorite. He was active in the Ducks’ charitable fundraising efforts, and the team sold replicas of his famous ‘stache to raise charity money.

“It’s tough to see him retiring but he’s got brighter and bigger things to do,” Ducks forward Corey Perry said after practice Friday. “He played the game hard. He handled it really well.”

After being claimed off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche, Parros made his NHL debut with the Kings during the 2005-06 season. He appeared in 55 games with the Kings before rejoining the Avalanche the following season. He was then traded to the Ducks in November 2006.

He was part of the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup-winning team and appeared in 356 games with the franchise, racking up 812 penalty minutes and 28 points.

The Ducks opted not to re-sign Parros after the 2011-12 season, prompting his signing with the Florida Panthers. He then signed with the Canadiens, but suffered a concussion during a fight with Toronto Maple Leafs bruiser Colton Orr during the Canadiens’ 2013-14 season opener. He sustained another concussion in a fight with the New York Islanders’ Eric Boulton two months later.

Parros appeared in 474 career NHL games, tallying 1,092 penalty minutes, 18 goals and 18 assists.

Times columnist Helene Elliott contributed to this report.