Shortly after losing out in seven games to the New England Revolution, the Manhattan Rage took their dressing room for the final time this season. Shortly after walking into the dressing, one member of the team walked out hastily dressed. Yuri Kulikov had arranged to meet with the media before the big press conference that the team would be holding after the loss.

Kulikov sits down at the table, takes a drink of water and looks out at the reporters. After a few seconds, he sighs and begins to speak.

“It saddens me to announce that I am retiring from the SHL, and the Manhattan Rage. It has been a long journey for me, and ultimately, I wasn’t able to accomplish what I wanted. When I was taken back in season 7, I was joining a team that would need some work. I was even voted captain of the team my sophomore year. Since then, we have an amazing team here in Manhattan that is going to be extremely good for a long time.

The fact that my agent played for the Rage made the experience all the more special for me. Being taken in the third round allowed me to play without any sort of expectations outside the ones I set for myself. I was unable to help win a cup during my time in the league. I was unable to reach the personal level of success I thought myself to be capable of.

I would like to thank everyone in the organization for giving me the chance to succeed at the pro level. I really enjoyed my time here in the SHL, but it is time for me to move on. I’ve had a few talks with my agent, and I’ve been trying to help him scout out another player for him to represent. We have come down to a few choices, and we should announce a selection soon.

Thank you, and have a nice night.”