Nanaimo Clippers alumni Matt Irwin has announced his retirement after 461 games with six teams in the NHL. (NHLPA)

By Dan Marshall

Storied Career

Former Clipper Matt Irwin retires after 13 year NHL career

Nov 14, 2024 | 9:35 AM

NANAIMO — Clippers alumni Matt Irwin has announced his retirement from the NHL after a career spanning 13 years and 461 games.

Irwin played junior hockey in Nanaimo from 2004-2008, appearing in 163 games and earning 92 points.

The product of Brentwood Bay was named the BCHL’s top Coastal Conference defenceman in both 2007 and 2008.

In a statement via the NHLPA Irwin thanked the different organizations he played with along the way.

“As I reflect on my career, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful and fortunate to have lived out my childhood dream of playing in the NHL. My success would not have been possible without the support of my family, my in-laws and especially my wife, Chantel, and two kids Beckem and Lennon. You all pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the ice.”

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After his Clipper days Irwin went on to play for the University of Massachusetts from 2008-2010.

He turned pro at the end of that season and signed as a free agent with the San Jose Sharks.

After two seasons with the Sharks AHL affiliate in Worcester, Irwin began his NHL journey in the 2012-13 campaign.

Irwin played for San Jose, Nashville, Boston, Anaheim, Buffalo and Washington.

His greatest success came in Nashville where the now 36-year-old played 195 games and had 31 points.

Irwin came back to BC to end his career with the Canucks organization in 2023-24.

He played 65 games with 16 points and was an assistant captain for the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks.

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