“I’m preparing as if next year is going to go on and then we’ll go from there.” Those are Steve Sullivan’s thoughts on whether or not he is going to call it a career. The former member of the Soo Greyhounds stepped off No. 18 at the Hollinger Golf Club following the championship round at the 23rd annual Molson Lever/Sullivan Classic Golf Tournament and was immediately surround by his children. Hugs and kisses were in ample supply as the 39-year-old Timmins icon revelled in his kids’ affection. Whatever he decides to do whether he hangs up his skates or gives it one more year the man known as the Timmins Tornado will do what’s best for his family. “Everything has revolved around me for the last 17 years” he said. “I have a son who is starting high school next year and I’ve got limited time left with him before he goes off to college.” Once the Stanley Cup playoffs were completed Sullivan was out of a job. The unrestricted free agent has had “very informal” discussions with several teams but currently they’re just discussions. “I’m in no rush to make a decision” he said. Despite the coy answer it seems like retirement could be in the cards for Sullivan. “I wouldn’t say 100% but 99.9%” he said. “I’ve had an unbelievable run.” It’s like his career came full circle last year when he ended up in a New Jersey Devils uniform to close out the season. It’s where he started his career and it could be where it ends. Either way the sense is Sullivan has no regrets. Almost automatically Sullivan brushed off a return to the Phoenix Coyotes but he hasn’t ruled out staying in Scottsdale despite the sweltering heat. “I know Phoenix is not an option so we would have to move and that’s where we come into the logistics of where is it is it worth it” he said. “That’s the point we’re at now where we have to make those decisions. “We always thought Nashville would be home but we fell in love with Scottsdale this past winter.” If Sullivan does decide to head out to pasture he will leave behind a career that saw him put up some big numbers. He amassed 290 goals and 747 points in 1011 games in addition to nine goals and 23 points in 50 playoff games — pretty impressive for a player drafted in the ninth-round 233 overall in 1994. However the 5-9 smoothing skating forward has never sipped from Lord Stanley’s Cup. “I don’t think it would be hard (retiring without winning the Cup)” said Sullivan. “Obviously it’s a goal that you set for yourself but it’s not something you can do alone. - See more at:http://www.saultstar.com/2013/07/27/sullivan-ponders-next-move
