CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The Bengals released linebacker James Harrison on Thursday, leaving the former Defensive Player of the Year looking for his third team in three seasons. Jose Juan Barea Mavericks Jersey . The 35-year-old linebacker helped the Steelers win a pair of Super Bowls and was the leagues top defensive player in 2008. He left Pittsburgh when the two sides couldnt agree on a restructured deal. Harrison went down the Ohio River to AFC North rival Cincinnati, where he got a two-year contract. The Bengals envisioned him using his pass-rushing ability to become a difference-maker on a defence that was already one of the leagues best. He wound up with a limited role for the first half of the season as he got acclimated. Harrison was limited to 14 or fewer plays in five of the first seven games, making the transition from Pittsburghs 3-4 alignment to a 4-3 in Cincinnati. His role expanded as the season went along and injuries limited the defence. Harrison played in 15 games, starting 10, and finished 12th on the team in tackles. He had two sacks and one interception. "It was great for our coaches, players and fans to have James on our team last year," coach Marvin Lewis said. "Hes a player everyone looks up to because of his ability, his accomplishments and his drive to be the best. He helped us win a division title with his play and with the example he set. "Its time for us to go a different direction now, with some younger guys, but we will all still reap benefits from having had James with us as a Bengal last year." Linebacker Vontaze Burfict credited Harrison with helping him develop into a Pro Bowl player last season. Cincinnatis defence finished third in the NFL and was the key to the Bengals reaching the playoffs for an unprecedented third straight season. The Bengals lost to San Diego in the opening round, leaving them 0-5 in the playoffs under Lewis. They havent won a playoff game since 1990, matching the sixth-longest streak of playoff futility in NFL history. Harrison tweeted: "Many thanks to all the Bengals fans for your support over the last year -- I had a great time in Cincinnati." Harrison is the second veteran in three days that was released by the team. Center Kyle Cook, who started all last season, was released on Tuesday. Dirk Nowitzki Mavericks Jersey . -- Kevin Harvick pulled away on a restart with 47 laps to go and ended Chase Elliotts two-race winning streak in NASCARs Nationwide Series with a dominating victory early Saturday at Richmond International Raceway. Jose Juan Barea Jersey .com) - Rick Nash scored twice and Derek Stepan chipped in a goal with one assist as the New York Rangers claimed a 5-2 decision over Calgary at the Saddledome. http://www.mavericksteamofficial.info/customized/ . Wayne and Cindy Tuck of Ilderton, Ont., closed out round-robin play earlier in the day with a 7-3 win over Finland but needed a win over Austria to reach the final eight.Montreal Canadiens defenceman Josh Gorges underwent successful surgery Monday morning to repair a fracture in his left hand. He is expected to miss the next four weeks of action. Gorges is believed to have suffered the injury while blocking a shot during Montreals win overr the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Jason Kidd Jersey. The Canadiens added to their defensive depth last week by acquiring veteran Mike Weaver from the Florida Panthers. Gorges has one goal and 12 assists with a plus- 7 rating through 63 games this season. ' ' '