Journeyman forward and former Leaf announces his retirement at just 29 years-of-age
It was a big day in the life of 5-year NHL veteran and Newmarket, Ontario native Kurtis Gabriel, who made the decision to hang up his skates on Monday at the age of 29.
Gabriel, who spent a brief stint last season in the Leafs' organization began his pro career with the Minnesota Wild/Iowa Wild after being drafted by the Wild with the 81st overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. During the course of his career, he has spent time with the Wild, Devils, Flyers, Sharks, Leafs and Blackhawks organizations, totaling 51 NHL games.
Gabriel issued the following statement on Monday afternoon via Twitter:
This is definitely not an easy decision, but I feel like I need to listen to my body, my heart, and my mind, and they are telling me it is time to retire from playing professional hockey.
I could not be more grateful for the career I have had. If you would have told me at seventeen years old, when my amazing mum, Kim, suggested that I try out for the local Newmarket Hurricanes (because it was "only fifty dollars and some of your team mates were too,") that I would be where I am at twenty nine, I would not have believed you! What a ride we have had Mum. What a journey it has been!
Thank you to my unbelievable support system: my loving family, girlfriend & her family, friends, teammates, coaches, management, trainers, team staff, billets, fans, and anyone who has ever supported me even in the smallest way through all these years. I never could have done it without you all.
The life experiences and lessons that were packed into the time since I committed to hockey are truly priceless. I will cherish them and apply them to my life going forward. And one thing is for sure.. hockey created the conditions for me to be tested to my limits. The suffering that came from it, physically but mostly mentally, was the catalyst that pushed me to "awaken" spiritually. I am forever grateful for that.
I actually find it fitting that I end this journey in the off-season. I got to where I am because of what I did in the off-season for thirteen years.
I am excited to see what life will be like in this next chapter!
