More than eight months after sustaining a major injury during an American Hockey League game, Montreal Canadiens forward Blake Geoffrion announced his retirement from professional hockey Monday.
Geoffrion, 25, sustained a depressed skull fracture Nov. 9, 2012 while playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs, Montreal's AHL affiliate, in a game at Bell Centre against the Syracuse Crunch.
"After suffering an injury in November and taking time to recover and reflect, I have decided to step away from the game of hockey for the time being," Geoffrion said in a statement released by the Canadiens. "I would like to thank [owner] Geoff Molson, [general manager] Marc Bergevin, the entire Montreal Canadiens organization as well as the Hamilton Bulldogs organization for everything they have done for me. They have been unwavering in their support, professionalism and kindness. I cannot thank them enough."
Bergevin issued the following statement regarding Geoffrion's decision:
"A young player appreciated by everyone within our organization, Blake has shown a lot of courage since suffering a serious injury. He made the decision to end his professional hockey career and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors."
Geoffrion had 13 points in 55 NHL games combined between the Nashville Predators and Canadiens from 2010-12. He had two points in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games in 2011 with the Predators.
Geoffrion played four seasons at the University of Wisconsin and twice played for the United States in the World Junior Championship. Nashville used its second-round pick (No. 56) in the 2006 NHL Draft to select Geoffrion.
He was a fourth-generation NHL player, following his father, Dan; his grandfather, Hockey Hall of Fame member Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion; and his great-grandfather, Hall of Famer Howie Morenz.
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