AceShowbiz -

Hilary Duff will likely have more time with Mike Comrie. It's because her husband has decided to retire early from ice hockey. In a statement released on Monday, February 13, he said, "My career has afforded me a series of phenomenal opportunities to play and become friends with some of the greatest people I have ever known and some of the greatest players who have ever played this game."

"To have made the lasting friendships I enjoy today with so many of my former teammates is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life," the 31-year-old Canadian athlete went on. "It's the reward that has made all the hard work, the trades, the moves and the surgeries worthwhile."

Duff herself took to Twitter to share the news to her followers. The pop singer, who's expecting her baby boy in March, wrote, "As many of u know mike has announced his retirement.Its a bittersweet day!He had a wonderful career!but 3 hip surgeries in 5 years is alot!"

A few minutes later, the Lane of "Beauty & the Briefcase" sent another tweet. "2day we are enjoying all the great memories mike had while playing in the NHL!now we have a big addition coming to our family! #comrie," so she posted.

During his 11-year professional career, Comrie was noted for playing with Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. One of his biggest achievements was winning 2003 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship which awarded him a Gold Medal.