Penguins defenseman Philippe Boucher has announced his retirement. "For the past 17 years I have been living my dream of playing hockey in the National Hockey League," Boucher said in a statement. "After finishing this season with the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, I realized that is time for me to walk away from the game I love. I have always admired athletes that have retired as champions and I am humbled to have the chance to count myself among them. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, my coaches and the organizations I played with over the years. I am going to miss being with the boys. I would also like to recognize the best fans in all of sports. I never took for granted what a privilege it is to play this game and how important the fans are." Boucher was drafted 13th overall in the 1991 NHL entry draft by Buffalo.