1 week Ago By The Hockey News
Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius announced his retirement from hockey after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.The 21-year-old from Lawrence, Kan., was Winnipeg's first-round round pick in 2021 and played for the AHL's Manitoba Moose in the past two seasons.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary disorder that affects the connective tissue that stabilizes and supports the joints and organs throughout the body, Lucius said in a statement posted by Newport Sports on Tuesday.“As I struggled with incurring and recovering from various joint injuries over the past several years, I had thought I was just unlucky,” Lucius said. “With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body impacted by EDS could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey.
Given this condition, my injury history, and the physical nature of hockey, I have been medically advised not to continue to play.”In the 2022-23 season, Lucius played with the Moose and the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. He made 12 appearances in the AHL and six in the WHL before requiring season-ending shoulder surgery.
The next season, he underwent another surgery that axed his entire campaign after recording 13 points in 17 games with the Moose.This season, he played an AHL career-high 25 games and recorded nine points, but his season was halted again. He last played on Feb.
9.“After much discussion and consultation with Chaz, his representatives, and medical professionals, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club fully supports his difficult decision to retire,” the Jets said in a statement. “We wish Chaz all the best in his efforts to be an advocate for those dealing with EDS and hope for a bright future in front of him.
”Added Lucius: “I have been fortunate to have incredible support from my family, friends, and the Winnipeg Jets organization. Mark Chipman, Kevin Cheveldayoff, Craig Heisinger, Dr. Peter MacDonald and all the great medical and training staff of the Jets and Moose have helped me through a very challenging time.
”Lucius also thanked Mike Keane, a development coach for the Jets, who consistently checked in on him.Before his time in the AHL, the center played one season at the University of Minnesota alongside Jackson LaCombe, Matthew Knies and Brock Faber. He played 24 games of NCAA hockey, scoring nine goals and 19 points.
Lucius also represented USA at the 2022-23 World Junior Championship, recording five goals and seven points in seven games. He recorded a hat trick to help the team win bronze against Sweden in an 8-7 overtime win."I feel blessed to have experienced all that hockey gave me over the years even though I am crushed that I cannot continue to pursue my dream of playing in the NHL," Lucius said.
"I look forward to being an advocate for those suffering with EDS and to all that is ahead of me."Get thelatest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and bysubscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting belowthe article on THN.
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