After a long and successful season leading the Nashville Predators to a six-game series in the Stanley Cup Finals, Carrie Underwood’s husband, Mike Fisher, is officially hanging up his skates.
The 37-year-old team captain announced Thursday that he would be retiring, after 17 seasons playing in the National Hockey League.
Of course, retiring is no small celebration—especially when you’re not even 40, and married to country music’s favorite songstress.
Carrie took to Instagram following her husband’s announcement with a touching word of praise and encouragement.
“I sure am going to miss watching you play and cheering you on with the rest of Smashville, but I so look forward to seeing what God has in store for you in this next chapter of your life.”
As previously shared by Faithit, Mike Fisher’s time with the Nashville predators is especially poignant for this duo. Mike was first traded to the Predators in 2011, after his former team manager for the Ottawa Senators orchestrated a trade he felt would be in the newlywed’s best favor.
The couple, who had been married for just over a year, both had crazy-busy schedules which made it difficult to be in the same place as one another for long.
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“Maybe this is the Lord’s way of having Mike traded to Nashville so he can be with Carrie,” Mike’s mother said about the beautiful way God ensured this couple was given the opportunity to build the strongest marriage they could.
Six years later, Carrie writes that she’s “so proud” of all Mike has accomplished in his time in “Smashviile.”
“You’ve given your teammates and the game your all for so many years…you’ve worked so hard and made us all so proud!”
The country music icon could arguably be the team’s biggest fan. Well, at least that of her husband’s.
Carrie often shared videos to her Instagram of her own personal Smashville cheer squad—sporting “ugly sweaters,” blue and yellow nails and a whole lot of excitement as her hubby led the team to 41 wins this season. When she wasn’t jumping around and hollering in the stands, she was singing the National Anthem to kick of the night’s game.
Though Carrie’s tribute to Mike marks the end of an era for their family, she added, “[our son] Isaiah and I love you so much and are so excited to be able to have you home a lot more.”
But not to worry Smashville, Carrie will be back next season, cheering on the Predators. This time, with her husband by her side.
