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LA PLAGNE, France - Alex Bilodeau ended his World Cup skiing career with a flourish. The Rosemere, Que., freestyler won the final race of the season by taking the dual moguls competition while his teammate Mikael Kingsbury of Deux-Montagnes, Que., came second but took his third straight World Cup title on Friday. "Its been an amazing ride," said Bilodeau. "Very emotional." The two-time Olympic champion had no chance to catch Kingsbury for the Crystal Globe as overall champion, but wanted to push his friend and rival to the limit in the last race of his career. Kingsbury got down the hill quicker, but the judges gave the gold medal to Bilodeau on execution. "I knew the grand prix was done and I couldnt go up or down," said Bilodeau. "I looked at Mikael and said Im really honoured to have my last run against the best in the world. "I said Ill just enjoy it. I decided to do a back double, which is something you dont do in duals. Its too risky. But I thought its my last race, Im going to go for it. " On the womens side, Hannah Kearney of the United States won a fourth straight Crystal Globe and the fifth of her career. Kearney defeated Canadas Chloe Dufour-Lapointe in the final. Her sister Justine Dufour-Lapointe had a shot at catching the American for the title, but crashed in the round of 16 and lost to Perrine Laffont of France. With his win, Bilodeau broke freestyle legend Jean-Luc Brassards record for World Cup podium finishes with his 48th, including 19 wins. "I never looked at the number of podiums," he said. "For me it was a day-to-day process of trying to be the best in the world. "Records are made to be broken. Im sure it wont last long. Mikael will break it in a year or two." The 26-year-old, who this year became the first freestyler to defend an Olympic gold medal, now plans to finish his accounting studies at Concordia University and enter the corporate world. Kingsbury, who has 38 World Cup podium finishes, said it was an emotional day for both skiers as they waited at the top of the final run of the season. "We did a big hug," said 21-year-old Kingsbury. "I told him it was an honour to be at his last run. "Then we both made amazing runs." While Bilodeau is bowing out, Kingsbury said his career is just getting started and he intends to try to stay on top through the next Winter Olympics in 2018 in South Korea. "Im still young and Ive got a lot to learn in the sport," he said. "Ive had an amazing career so far. "I never thought Id do as much as Ive done so far, but Ill work hard, get stronger in the gym. The best is still to come." The three Dufour-Lapointe sisters finished just behind Kearney in womens standings, with Justine second, Chloe third and Maxime fourth. Custom Arizona Diamondbacks Jerseys . A spokeswoman for the NLRB says its "a very incremental move" and does not necessarily indicate the board is close to a finding in the case. 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Moving up, from 10 to seven this week, the Pittsburgh Penguins have won seven straight despite a depleted lineup. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Steve Smith era in Carolina is over. The Panthers released their all-time leading receiver on Thursday after 13 seasons. Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said it "was not an easy decision" in a press release. "Steve has been one of the NFLs finest receivers for over a decade and has been the face of the franchise for a large part of the teams history," Gettleman said. "As a team, we made a step forward last year; however we are also a team in transition, which is a part of the NFL." Smith said on radio Thursday hes not angry about the decision. "Its devastating to hear that you are getting fired, but its also exciting because that frees me up to be pursued by other teams," Smith told Taylor Zarzour of SiriusXMs Bleacher Report Radio." I have never become a free agent before so I will get a few free dinners out of it at some nice expensive restaurants. I want to enjoy the experience that, frankly, I will never experience again." Smith reiterated he wants to play in the NFL and that being released "awoke a sleeping giant" inside of him. The decision comes one day after Smiths agent, Derrick Fox, told The Associated Press that the 13-year NFL veteran "is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that." Fox said the Panthers never asked Smith, who turns 35 in May, to restructure his current contract. The Panthers were unable to trade Smith, who was set to cost $7 million under this years salary cap. The Panthers still owe Smith $3 million this season. The decision has not been a popular one among Carolina fans. Gettleman addressed that in his press release. "When I took this position I knew that difficult decisions would have to be made along the way," Gettleman said. "To move on from a storied veteran player is probably the most difficult of all. A decision not to be taken lightly. However, after much thought I feel very strongly its the right one." "As Ive stated many times, all decisions I make will be in the long-term best interest of the Carolina Panthers. Decisions, either popular or unpopular, have to be made for the greater good and it is imperative to take an unemotional global view. Sometimes it may appear that short term interests will suffer, and I can assure you we have no interest in taking a step back from our 2013 accomplishments." The Panthers also lost wide receivers Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn Jr. to free agency on Thursday. Hixon signed with the Chicago Bears and Ginn with the Arizona Cardinals. Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn told The Associated Press he has signed with the Minnesota Vikings for a deal that could pay him $15 million over three years with incentives.dddddddddddd One possible replacement at wide receiver is free agent Hakeem Nicks, a Charlotte native who played for New York Giants. The Smith move marks the end of an era for the Panthers. Smith joined the team as a third-round draft pick out of Utah in 2001. He made an immediate impact in the NFL, returning the opening kickoff of the season for a touchdown against the Vikings. He became the first Panthers rookie selected to the Pro Bowl, earning that honour as a return specialist. Known for his feisty behaviour on the field, Smith became a dominant receiver over the next 12 seasons. He is Carolinas all-time leader with 75 total touchdowns and has 836 receptions for 12,197 yards. "On the football field Steve had a competitive arrogance that (was) second to none -- second to none," said former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme in a telephone interview. "That helped him be as good as he was. He made other guys step up their game. But off the field he was totally different. He loves his wife and his family. Hes a genuinely good person with a great heart." Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in the release: "He is a great competitor with Hall of Fame-worthy statistics and has made a great contribution to our community." Fox said Smith would have welcomed a chance to move inside to slot receiver, but the team never offered him that opportunity. As productive as Smith was, his fiery personality often rubbed people the wrong way, and some viewed him as a distraction in the locker room. Smith had run-ins with teammates on at least two occasions. He punched out fellow wide receiver Anthony Bright in a film room fight and later socked cornerback Ken Lucas on the field during a practice at training camp in Spartanburg, S.C. On both occasions, Smith was suspended by the team. Delhomme said that was a "humbling experience" for Smith, who apologized to Lucas and the teams fans after the incident. Despite the two incidents, Smith was immensely popular with the fan base, in large part due to his production on the field. He also worked hard to change his public image over the last several years and has been an active member of the Charlotte community. When asked if he was surprised Smith was released, Delhomme said, "It does surprise, but thats the NFL. I mean, look, Peyton Manning plays for the Denver Broncos -- that the way it goes." NOTES: Panthers backup quarterback Derek Anderson announced Thursday on Twitter he has re-signed with Carolina for a fourth season. Anderson tweeted: "Happy to be coming back to Charlotte next season!" 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