Former defenceman Jay Bouwmeester retired after a 17 year long career, complete with a Stanley Cup ring. He announced his retirement during an interview for The Athletic with Pierre LeBrun of TSN.
Jay Bouwmeester quietly says goodbye to a terrific NHL career. And he's at peace with it. My interview Monday with the 17-year NHL veteran and Team Canada mainstay:https://t.co/7687GdTU0U
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 11, 2021
Jay Bouwmeester Retired From the NHL After 17 Year Career
In his last season with the St. Louis Blues, Bouwmeester played 56 games before that fated game against the Anaheim Ducks. He scored once and had eight assists, combining for nine points. He also had 20 minutes in penalties. Over his 17 year career, Bouwmeester was a fantastic shutdown defenceman. In 1,240 NHL games played, he had 88 goals and 336 assists for 424 points, and 635 minutes in penalties.
Unfortunately, his career came to an abrupt end due to a scary cardiac incident that shook the whole hockey world. After collapsing on the bench and being taken to a hospital, Bouwmeester’s hockey future was in question. He decided that after a long career and heart problems, retiring was the best option for him. While the incident was unnerving and scary for all involved, it showed the strength of the hockey community. Friends, teammates, rivals, and fans alike all reached out with well wishes and kind words for the Blues defenceman, and everyone was wishing for a speedy recovery.
While towards the end of his career, Bouwmeester was not as impactful as he used to be. A veteran defenceman is always a key piece to a team. If Bouwmeester chooses to work with a team, a great role would be a defenceman’s coaching role. Being in the league for 17 years teaches a player a thing or two, and he could pass that wisdom on to the next generation of great players. Whether Bouwmeester chooses to stay within the Blues organization or not, he will be remembered for a long time as an incredible defenceman with a caring personality and a fighting spirit.
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