The Canadian athlete's recurring hip injury has caused him increasing problems in recent years, limiting him to just 127 games over the last three seasons.

He announced his decision to quit on Monday (13Feb12).

Comrie, 31, has been playing in the National Hockey League since he was drafted by his hometown team, the Edmonton Oilers, in 1999. He went on to play as a centre for the Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders, and finished his career at the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In a tweet to fans, Duff writes, "As many of u (sic) know mike has announced his retirement. Its (sic) a bittersweet day! He had a wonderful career! but 3 hip surgeries in 5 years is alot (sic)!"

But the timing of Comrie's retirement couldn't be better - singer/actress Duff is due to give birth to the couple's first child in the coming weeks.

The stars wed in 2010.