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In March, Canadiens forward Blake Geoffrion told the team he was considering retiring from hockey at 25 after suffering a serious head injury. On Monday he did just that, announcing he is hanging up the skates.
In a statement released by the Canadiens, Geoffrion called it quits on a career that ended way too soon.
"After suffering an injury in November and taking time to recover and reflect, I have decided to step away from the game of hockey for the time being," Geoffrion said. "I would like to thank Geoff Molson, Marc Bergevin, the entire Montreal Canadiens organization as well as the Hamilton Bulldogs organization for everything they have done for me. They have been unwavering in their support, professionalism and kindness. I cannot thank them enough."
You might note that Geoffrion didn't exactly close the door, saying he's retiring "for the time being." But you can expect that we've seen the last of Geoffrion as a player.
Geoffrion, the grandson of Hall of Fame player Bernie Boom Boom Geoffrion and son of Dan Geoffrion, suffered a depressed skull fracture from a big hit in an AHL game last November. It was his first season with the Canadiens after he was traded to Montreal from Nashville.
It's a pity to see a player have to retire at 25 years old, but it's probably the best decision Geoffrion can make at this point considering how severe his injury was. Perhaps he could have a future in hockey still, just not as a player. Or he could go a completely different route altogether. Time will tell.
"A young player appreciated by everyone within our organization, Blake has shown a lot of courage since suffering a serious injury," Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said. "He made the decision to end his professional hockey career, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours."
Geoffrion was a standout at the University of Wisconsin, earning the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's top player in 2009-10. However, his success never translated to the NHL. In 55 career NHL games, Geoffrion finished with eight goals and five assists, eight of those 13 points coming in his first 20 games.
In March, Canadiens forward Blake Geoffrion told the team he was considering retiring from hockey at 25 after suffering a serious head injury. On Monday he did just that, announcing he is hanging up the skates.
In a statement released by the Canadiens, Geoffrion called it quits on a career that ended way too soon.
"After suffering an injury in November and taking time to recover and reflect, I have decided to step away from the game of hockey for the time being," Geoffrion said. "I would like to thank Geoff Molson, Marc Bergevin, the entire Montreal Canadiens organization as well as the Hamilton Bulldogs organization for everything they have done for me. They have been unwavering in their support, professionalism and kindness. I cannot thank them enough."
You might note that Geoffrion didn't exactly close the door, saying he's retiring "for the time being." But you can expect that we've seen the last of Geoffrion as a player.
Geoffrion, the grandson of Hall of Fame player Bernie Boom Boom Geoffrion and son of Dan Geoffrion, suffered a depressed skull fracture from a big hit in an AHL game last November. It was his first season with the Canadiens after he was traded to Montreal from Nashville.
It's a pity to see a player have to retire at 25 years old, but it's probably the best decision Geoffrion can make at this point considering how severe his injury was. Perhaps he could have a future in hockey still, just not as a player. Or he could go a completely different route altogether. Time will tell.
"A young player appreciated by everyone within our organization, Blake has shown a lot of courage since suffering a serious injury," Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said. "He made the decision to end his professional hockey career, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours."
Geoffrion was a standout at the University of Wisconsin, earning the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's top player in 2009-10. However, his success never translated to the NHL. In 55 career NHL games, Geoffrion finished with eight goals and five assists, eight of those 13 points coming in his first 20 games.
