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Hockey star Rick Nash retires due to lasting concussion symptoms
Image Source: Sergei ~ 5of7/Flickr
Hockey star and Olympic gold medal winner Rick Nash is retiring from the NHL after 15 seasons, all because of concussions.
Nash experienced a concussion in March but has been experiencing lasting symptoms since. As agent Joe Resnick explained in a statement, doctors believe the six-time All-Star player would be in grave danger if he experienced another brain injury – which would be fairly likely if he continued to play hockey.
“Due to unresolved issues/symptoms from the concussion sustained last March,” said Resnick. “Rick Nash will be forced to retire from the game of hockey. Under the advice of his medical team, the risk of further brain injury is far too great if Rick returns to play. Rick would like to thank everyone who has supported him during this difficult time period.”
While the most-recent concussion occurred in March, Nash has experienced several others throughout his career. In 2013, he missed six games due to concussion symptoms while playing with the New York Rangers.
Rick Nash has become a household name in the world of hockey, with eight seasons where he scored more than 30 goals. Until his retirement, ESPN says Nash had the third highest number of goals among active players in the NHL.
Nash also helped the Canadian Olympic hockey team take home the gold medal at both the 2010 Vancouver Games and 2014 Sochi Games, along with winning three World Championship medals in his career.
Rick will be missed. He is an iconic hockey player who has brought a lot to the sport. But it’s best to not roll the dice against the advice of your doctors and risk permanent brain injury. The consequences of traumatic brain injury are too much to risk. Not worth the potential permanent physical impairment damage and pain.