Photo from NBC Sports
Chicago Blackhawks' Brent Seabrook Retires after 15 seasons
On Friday, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook announced his retirement from the game of hockey after 15 seasons.
Seabrook, who has played with the Blackhawks his entire career, was drafted by the team in 2003 as the 14th overall pick. He later went on to win three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, 2015.
Throughout his career, Seabrook suffered multiple injuries which later became the reason of his retirement. The veteran had to have surgery on his hip and shoulder, but one day during the winter after spending time with his family, he woke up and could not get out of bed. "I woke up and I couldn't walk," he said.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times he cannot officially retire. Instead, he will spend the remaining 3.5 years left on his contract on Long-Term Injured Reserve.
Seabrook released a statement about his time with the Blackhawks. You can read his entire statement below.
"I am so proud to have played my entire 15-year National Hockey League career in Chicago with the Blackhawks. It was an honor to play the game that I love, with teammates I love, in front of fans I love, in a city that my family and I have grown to love. After several surgeries, countless hours of rehab and training to get back on the ice at the level of my expectations, it will not be possible for me to continue playing hockey. This is what is best for me and my family. The love and support of my wife, Dayna, and my kids, Carter, Kenzie and Dylan has meant everything to me. My parents, Gary and Suzanne, and my brother Keith, have been behind me every step of the way and are my foundation.
I want to thank the Blackhawks organization - including the Wirtz Family, Rocky and Danny Wirtz, Stan Bowman and Jeremy Colliton - who have been very supportive throughout this process. I'm thankful for all that the Blackhawks have done for me and my career. This organization drafted me as an 18-year-old kid out of western Canada and this team became my family away from home. In addition, I'm thankful for the Blackhawks medical and training staff for always putting me in the best position to succeed on the ice. Over the past 15 years, I've played with and for some incredible teammates and coaches. I thank each and every one of you. It was an honor to wear the Blackhawks sweater and go to battle with you night in and night out. I loved being your teammate.
Lastly, to the great fans of the Chicago Blackhawks, thank you. I sacrificed everything for this team in our quest to lift three Stanley Cups and gave it everything I had for you. I couldn't have asked for a better fan base to play for. You, more than anyone, kept me honest and always pushed me to be better - while also cheering me as your All-Star and Champion. Lifting the Stanley Cup in 2015 in front of all the fans at the United Center will be a memory I'll never forget. You have truly made Chicago a second home. My family and I will be forever grateful for your love and support and I look forward to always having a special connection with you the fans. I will always be a Blackhawk."
The soon-to-be 36-year-old played a total of 1,114 games, had 103 goals, 361 assists, and 464 points. He also played in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver for Team Canada where they won the gold medal.
When asked how he wants to be remembered he said, "I played, I gave everything I had, I tried to do it the right way and I wanted to be the best I could,” he said. “That’s a decision for people to make up on their own.”
After the career he has had, winning three Stanley Cups and a gold medal, it has been a great ride for the veteran.
“It was a hell of a run,” Seabrook said. “I’ll never forget these last 15, 16 years.”
Seabrook, who has played with the Blackhawks his entire career, was drafted by the team in 2003 as the 14th overall pick. He later went on to win three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, 2015.
Throughout his career, Seabrook suffered multiple injuries which later became the reason of his retirement. The veteran had to have surgery on his hip and shoulder, but one day during the winter after spending time with his family, he woke up and could not get out of bed. "I woke up and I couldn't walk," he said.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times he cannot officially retire. Instead, he will spend the remaining 3.5 years left on his contract on Long-Term Injured Reserve.
Seabrook released a statement about his time with the Blackhawks. You can read his entire statement below.
"I am so proud to have played my entire 15-year National Hockey League career in Chicago with the Blackhawks. It was an honor to play the game that I love, with teammates I love, in front of fans I love, in a city that my family and I have grown to love. After several surgeries, countless hours of rehab and training to get back on the ice at the level of my expectations, it will not be possible for me to continue playing hockey. This is what is best for me and my family. The love and support of my wife, Dayna, and my kids, Carter, Kenzie and Dylan has meant everything to me. My parents, Gary and Suzanne, and my brother Keith, have been behind me every step of the way and are my foundation.
I want to thank the Blackhawks organization - including the Wirtz Family, Rocky and Danny Wirtz, Stan Bowman and Jeremy Colliton - who have been very supportive throughout this process. I'm thankful for all that the Blackhawks have done for me and my career. This organization drafted me as an 18-year-old kid out of western Canada and this team became my family away from home. In addition, I'm thankful for the Blackhawks medical and training staff for always putting me in the best position to succeed on the ice. Over the past 15 years, I've played with and for some incredible teammates and coaches. I thank each and every one of you. It was an honor to wear the Blackhawks sweater and go to battle with you night in and night out. I loved being your teammate.
Lastly, to the great fans of the Chicago Blackhawks, thank you. I sacrificed everything for this team in our quest to lift three Stanley Cups and gave it everything I had for you. I couldn't have asked for a better fan base to play for. You, more than anyone, kept me honest and always pushed me to be better - while also cheering me as your All-Star and Champion. Lifting the Stanley Cup in 2015 in front of all the fans at the United Center will be a memory I'll never forget. You have truly made Chicago a second home. My family and I will be forever grateful for your love and support and I look forward to always having a special connection with you the fans. I will always be a Blackhawk."
The soon-to-be 36-year-old played a total of 1,114 games, had 103 goals, 361 assists, and 464 points. He also played in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver for Team Canada where they won the gold medal.
When asked how he wants to be remembered he said, "I played, I gave everything I had, I tried to do it the right way and I wanted to be the best I could,” he said. “That’s a decision for people to make up on their own.”
After the career he has had, winning three Stanley Cups and a gold medal, it has been a great ride for the veteran.
“It was a hell of a run,” Seabrook said. “I’ll never forget these last 15, 16 years.”