Mammoth Veteran Nick Carlson Announces Retirement

Transition player spent nine seasons with Colorado during 12-year career

A career that spanned 12 seasons came to an end on Monday, as Nick Carlson formally announced his retirement from the National Lacrosse League. The transition player, who played all but one season of his professional career with the Mammoth, was a two-time All-Star who won the Champion’s Cup with Colorado in 2006.

“I want to thank the Colorado Mammoth, and specifically Steve Govett, for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime 11 years ago,” said Carlson in a statement released through the team. “Without that opportunity and support from this tremendous organization, I would not have had the chance to find a career that will take me past my lacrosse playing days or meet my beautiful wife and our daughter.”

“Pepsi Center was my second home and I will forever cherish the memories and atmosphere that the fans created,” Carlson added. “Whether we were winning or losing, Pepsi Center was no doubt ‘The Loudest House in Lacrosse’.”

It seems only fitting that a player who career covered 12 seasons and wore jersey number 8 would announce his retirement on 12/8 (December 8). For years, Carlson was a defensive stalwart and offensive threat.

“Nick was a consummate professional who epitomized what it meant to be a part of the Colorado Mammoth,” said Mammoth president & general manager Steve Govett. “He was always willing and eager to play whatever role the coaches asked of him, and he excelled in all capacities. I’m so happy for Nick, his wife, Bresee, and daughter, Aspen, and wish them all the best as they embark on life after lacrosse.”

Carlson recorded 48 goals and 90 assists in 130 games. His 14-goal, 15-assist regular season in 2006 was the precursor to the franchise winning the championship. The Nanaimo, British Columbia native is 34 years old.