WORCESTER, Mass. - Bobby Butler celebrated his great hockey career with a retirement ceremony Tuesday night at the Worcester Ice Center.

Butler, who is from Marlborough, won a state championship with the Panthers in high school while being coached by his dad. In college, he had a great run with New Hampshire, and then made his NHL debut with Ottawa. He played for four teams in the NHL in total, the others being New Jersey, Nashville and Florida.

Butler finished out his pro hockey career playing for the Worcester Railers in front of family and friends. He was thankful for all that hockey has given him including getting to play in front of his kids.

"Yes, it was definitely a hard decision to retire," Butler said. "But I was definitely grateful to be able to spend the last year and a half playing in front of my kids. But it's definitely the right decision this time around I get to go out on my own. 

"I had a great group of guys that brought me into the room. I'm just grateful to the Railers organization for allowing me to play in front of my kids and family."