City of Chicago will forever be in our hearts, says Hossa

The end of Marian Hossa’s brilliant Blackhawks career has come over many months and in several stages.First, he shocked the hockey world last summer when he revealed that a serious skin condition would prevent him from playing for the Hawks during the 2017-18 season.Shock had turned to formality when he told a newspaper in Slovakia last May that his 19-year NHL career, which surely will earn him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame, was over.The Hawks then severed contractual ties with Hossa on July 12 when he was traded to the Coyotes in a move orchestrated to get his $5.3 million cap hit each of the next three years off the Hawks’ books.After eight seasons, 186 goals, 229 assists and, of course, three Stanley Cups, Hossa was no longer a member of the Blackhawks organization.That ended the contractual ties. The emotional ties will remain forever.In a minute-long video posted to the Blackhawks’ official Twitter account on Tuesday, Hossa offered his thanks to Hawks fans and media members from his home in Slovakia.Wearing a Cubs cap and standing before a dramatic Slovakian background, Hossa was brief, stoic and, as always, the epitome of class.Hossa’s message to Hawks fans:“Hello, Blackhawks fans. Marian Hossa here. I wanted to take some time to say big thank you from me and my family to you for all the support over 8 years in Chicago.“You guys welcome us with open arms and made us feel home for 8 years. We want you to know how much we appreciate it. We celebrated so many unforgettable moments. “Because of the role you play in those memories the city of Chicago will forever be in our hearts.“I also like to thank the Chicago media for all the amazing years we spent together. Even though we are back in Slovakia now Chicago will always be special place. Both daughters were raised here and one was born in this beautiful city.“Thank you again Blackhawks fans and I look forward to seeing you when we are back in the Windy City.“Ciao, ciao.”