Former Canucks Defenseman Matt Irwin Announces Retirement From the NHL After 11 Seasons
After a lengthy professional hockey career, which came to a close in his home province of British Columbia, veteran defenseman Matt Irwin has decided to retire.
Back on July 1st, the Vancouver Canucks decided not to re-sign defenseman Matt Irwin, making him an unrestricted free agent and available to sign with any other team in the National Hockey League.
As the months went on and training camp arrived in September, Irwin was still without a contract and many were wondering what the future of his playing career would be and on Thursday morning, we have the answer to that question - he's retiring.
Matt Irwin announces retirement from professional hockey
Through an article on the National Hockey League Players Association website, Matt Irwin released a statement regarding his retirement, thanking the coaches, teammates, organizations and his family for their support throughout the journey.
I would like to thank my agent, Ian Pulver, for his guidance and unwavering support throughout my career.
I would like to thank all of the organizations that took a chance on me and allowed me to wear their jersey and represent their team and city.
I want to thank all of the coaches and staff on each team that helped me reach my potential and become the player I was on the ice.
I'm fortunate to have been surrounded by the best group of teammates that I could have possibly asked for. Each and every one of them made coming to the rink the best years of my life. I hope our paths cross somewhere down the road.
There are so many people I would like to thank and it's really hard to express my gratitude the way that you all deserve, but please know that everyone that I crossed paths with during my career means the world to me and my family, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart." Irwin said.
Irwin, 36, joined the San Jose Sharks organization in 2010 as an undrafted free agent following his second season of college hockey. The Victoria, British Columbia native spent parts of 11 seasons in the National Hockey League with San Jose, Boston, Nashville, Anaheim, Buffalo and Washington, registering 93 points in 461 games.
He wrapped up his career close to home, signing a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks for the 2023-24 campaign. Irwin never appeared in any games in the NHL for Vancouver, spending the entire year in the AHL with Abbotsford where he put up 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 65 games.
Everyone here at Canucks Daily would like to send a big congratulations to Matt Irwin on a solid professional hockey career.
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