Carl Gunnarsson announces retirement in poignant letter

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HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 2 years ago
Carl Gunnarsson announces retirement in poignant letter
Zuma Press

This is it for defenseman Carl Gunnarsson. 

On Wednesday morning, the St. Louis Blues blue liner announced his retirement from hockey after a 12-year career in the National Hockey League. 

This one of the most poignant letter a hockey player has penned after hanging up the skates, one that kicks off with the line: “She is a thing of beauty, isn’t she? The game of hockey swept me off my feet the first time I saw her.”

However, in the moving letter, Gunnarsson also revealed the struggles the game gave him and why he feels this is the moment to call it quits. 

“But she’s not always that easy to love.

One of the best times in my life was preceded by a year of struggle. Roughly 14 months before I hoisted the glorious Stanley Cup I had knee surgery going in to the last year of my contract. It was a long road getting back and when I eventually did, I found myself battling yet another injury.”

He ends the letter with a strong message to everyone who supported him during his career: 

“As I hang up my skates for the last time I’m not sure what the future holds for me. But I know I’ll love the game of hockey, no matter how hard she makes it.

So I’d like to thank her, the game of hockey, for letting me love her and for all that she has given.

I’d like to thank all the fans, friends, staff, coaches, teammates and everyone I’ve crossed paths with during my time with her.
And to my family - none of this would’ve been possible without you. I love you.”

Due to injuries, Gunnarsson only played 12 games this past season, collecting just two points in the process. 

Selected in the seventh round of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Gunnarsson played a total of 629 games, recording 30 goals and 138 points throughout his career. 

Here at Hockey Feed, we wish him all the best. 

Source: NHL