Mike Grier calls himself a bit of a late-bloomer, but after three years at Boston University he was ready to step right into the NHL.

Fourteen seasons and 1,060 games later, Grier - one of the most respected players in the game - announced his retirement from hockey last week. He recorded 383 points for four teams and ranks 30th among former college players in career games played.

Grier fondly recalls his time with the Terriers, which included the 1995 national championship. He was a first-team All-American and Hobey Baker Award finalist that year as well.

College Hockey, Inc. caught up with him in the spring of 2011, during his final NHL season.