Hurricanes’ Bickell, fighting MS, to retire at end of season
RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell says he’s retiring after the season as he fights multiple sclerosis.
Bickell said following Saturday night’s 5-4 shootout loss to St. Louis that he and his family came to the decision “probably about 3-4 days ago. His final game comes Sunday night at Philadelphia.
“My biggest thing was my health,” Bickell said. “I don’t want to take risks, and obviously I played hockey for my life, and it’s obviously tough to leave, but I’ve got a life after hockey and to be healthy, and watch my kids grow up will be important.”
The 31-year-old, three-time Stanley Cup champion with Chicago was diagnosed with MS in November but returned to hockey in February when he was assigned to the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate in Charlotte.