American forward Peter Mueller, 37, has announced his retirement from hockey through the website of his last club, Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga.

A former NHLer, Mueller had played continuously in Europe since 2013 and was on his second tour of duty in Brno. Last season, he had 36 points in 36 regular season games and then 13 points in 20 playoff games. Mueller’s first-period goal in Game 7 of the finals against Dynamo Pardubice turned out to be the series-winner in a 3-0 Kometa victory.

In May, Mueller signed a contract extension with Kometa but has apparently had second thoughts about that decision this summer due to ongoing back issues.

“This is an unexpected decision for us,” said Kometa GM Libor Zábranský. “I have been in contact with Peter for the last 14 days and I respect his decision. Of course, we will miss him and it will be difficult to replace him at this time, but that’s just the way it is. We all wish his entire family only the best for the next stage of their lives.”

Eighteen years. Eighteen years of ups and downs, lots of different countries, different places, different styles and many adventures that always meant chasing the title.

I would like to take this opportunity to officially end my hockey career. Being able to play at the highest level for eighteen years and allowing hockey to take me and my family around the world has been the greatest gift I can imagine. Meeting amazing people along the way has turned into lifelong friendships. Thank you to all the organizations that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play.

I would like to thank my parents for introducing me to hockey. The early morning wake-ups, the long car rides, and the lakes to skate on whenever it froze. They were the first to believe in me and always supported me.

To my wife Taylar and children Charlie and Rosie, thank you for being with me on this adventure and being my biggest fans. Thank you for always supporting me and keeping me going on bad days. You tried to take my mind off hockey when I needed it. Your support on this journey has been truly amazing and I couldn't have done it without you.

I have been incredibly lucky to play this sport professionally for eighteen years and I look forward to what is to come.
And thank you, Libor, for your trust, for believing in me and allowing me to play for more than twenty minutes (smile). Under your leadership, I experienced some of my most fun years in hockey and I am forever grateful to you for that. I will always be here to support Kometa!

- Peter Mueller

Originally from Bloomington, Minn., Mueller starred in junior hockey for the WHL’s Everett Silvertips and was chosen eighth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

However, he never lived up to his potential in the NHL. He recorded 54 points his rookie season in 2008-09, but was never able to reach that total again. In 297 NHL games over six season with the Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers, Mueller scored 63 goals and added 97 assists for 160 points with 98 penalty minutes. He also went to the training camps of the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins.

Former Pens, Avs Defenseman Signs In CzechiaCzech-Canadian defenseman John Ludvig, 24, has signed a one-year contract with Dynamo Pardubice, the Czech Extraliga club announced on Wednesday.

Internationally, Mueller has represented the USA at two U-18 World Championships (winning gold in 2005), two World Junior Championships and two senior men’s World Championships.

In his first tour of duty with Kometa, he was the Extraliga MVP in 2018-19 and led the league with 64 points in 2020-21.

In addition to Kometa, Mueller also played in Switzerland for the Kloten Flyers, in Sweden for the Malmö Redhawks, in Austria for Red Bull Salzburg, in Czechia for HC Vítkovice and in Germany for Grizzlys Wolfsburg.

Photo © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.

Kometa Brno Returns To Top Of Czech Extraliga Kometa Brno is once again the champion of the Czech Extraliga, defeating Dynamo Pardubice 3-0 in the seventh and decisive game of the finals on Tuesday night in Pardubice. It was the second series in a row that the team won a seventh game on the road.