Canucks' Derek Dorsett ending career due to spinal issues

By AP
Published

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) Vancouver Canucks forward Derek Dorsett says he is devastated after deciding to follow medical advice and end his hockey career because of spinal problems.

Doctors have recommended he not return to the ice because of ''long-term, significant health risks'' associated with a cervical disk herniation, the Canucks said Thursday.

''It will take a long time for this to truly sink in,'' Dorsett said in a statement. ''As hard as it was to hear, (the) diagnosis is definitive. There is no gray area, and it gives me clarity to move forward.''

Dorsett was shut down 14 games into the 2016-17 season when the numbness he often felt after delivering or receiving a hit became progressively worse.

The 30-year-old underwent spinal surgery a year ago and was cleared to play this season. But he recently began experiencing back and neck stiffness.

Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed Dorsett's surgery said tests, revealed that he has sustained a ''cervical disk herniation adjacent and separate to his previous fusion.''

Watkins and Canucks team doctor Bill Regan both advised Dorsett to end his pro career.

''His pre-existing conditions, combined with the recent surgery and the risks associated with continuing to play led to a recommendation that Derek seriously consider not playing again,'' Regan said.

Known more for his fists than his skill with the puck most of his career, Dorsett had exceeded expectations this season. Canucks rookie head coach Travis Green had upped his minutes and cast him in a shutdown role along with Brandon Sutter and Markus Granlund.

In 515 NHL games with Vancouver, the New York Rangers and Columbus, Dorsett had 51 goals and 76 assists.

''He's an example of what you can accomplish when you persevere,'' Canucks general manager Jim Benning said. ''He is a great teammate, a terrific role model and leader for younger players. This is truly unfortunate news for Derek, his family and our team.''

While Dorsett said he was still processing the news, he was looking to the future Thursday.

''I have a healthy young family and a long life of opportunities ahead of me,'' he said. ''Hockey taught me a lot and it will help me be successful in whatever I choose to do in the future.''

The team said Dorsett would meet with reporters soon.

''I still have so many thoughts to share and people to thank for all of their support,'' he said.

''What I can say for certain right now is that I left it all out on the ice. I gave my heart and soul to the teams I played for and never backed down from a challenge, including this one. I am proud of the way I played. It made me successful and a good teammate. Most of all I am truly honored and grateful to have lived the NHL dream.''

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