-Vintage Canuck- Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 Quote The Chicago Blackhawks signed Bryan Bickell to a one-day contract, and the forward concurrently announced his official retirement from the NHL on Wednesday as a member of the team with which he won three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, and 2015). Bickell played 384 of his 395 career NHL games with Chicago. The other 11 came as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016-17, but his season was interrupted by a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis last November. "As any professional athlete will tell you, stepping away from the game is extremely difficult especially given my circumstances," said Bickell. "I’m honored to be retiring a Chicago Blackhawk - a team that has given me and my family so many great memories. I appreciate Rocky Wirtz, John McDonough, and Stan Bowman for allowing me this opportunity." Bickell scored 65 goals and added 70 assists over his 10-year NHL career. He upped his game and became a fan favorite in the playoffs, however, scoring 20 goals and adding 19 assists in 75 appearances, all with Chicago. "We are thankful to Bryan for his accomplishments on the ice and we look forward to hearing his voice in raising awareness for multiple sclerosis as he fights the disease," added Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman. Bickell was able to rejoin the Hurricanes for the final two games of the regular season, and he capped his career by scoring a shootout goal in his final act as a pro hockey player. He was also honored at the 2017 NHL Awards for being able to play following his diagnosis. https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1378180 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shift-4 Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 Now here is a guy that cashed in well after a Cup win. I hope he recovers well and can live a good life from here on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Nirvanagut Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I was living in Chicago and was at my favorite bar the night the Hawks came back from that deficit with 80 seconds left against the Bruins (best 80 seconds ever). And Bickell scored the tying goal and it cut to his family and I was texting my dad (who is a lifelong Blackhawks fan) about everything and feeling joyous amongst the people. I can't imagine what Bickell's struggle through MS has been like but he has always wanted to play hockey. I know he became an albatross after the lure, but hardly the first time that happened. He played hard. And it's very nice to see him retire as a Hawk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apollo Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 Man... I remember hating on him for a long time... if he got taken out of the NHL because of a cheap shot to the head and concussion, I'd probably say he deserved it for all the cheap shots he handed out himself. But MS... that's nothing to wish on anyone. His story was extremely touching... I think the tribute was at the NHL awards. Also there was some episode on Hometown Hockey or TSN too that was riveting on him. All the best Bryan! Kick MS's ass! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombastik der Teutone Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 greate move by the hawks and all the best for bryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roberts Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 Sad to see him retire, really great moment when he got that shootout winner in his final game though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zhukini Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 My friends brother was recently diagnosed with MS and seeing the changes that he's physically experiencing is quite sad. Im sure he would have liked to play more but hopefully he gets the best care and treatment possible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBH1926 Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Best of luck to Bicks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillipBlunt Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 I sure hope Bickell chose today to retire a Hawk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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