A NHL prospect was forced to hang his skates before playing for the team that recruited him.
Chaz Lucius, a first round selection four years ago, announced his retirement on Tuesday due to a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Lucius was recruited by Winnipeg’s jets with the 18th general selection and had been playing for his AHL affiliate.
CLICK HERE for more sports coverage at Foxnews.com
Chaz Lucius of Winnipeg applies pressure on the sentence of the head during the third period against Ottawa on September 29, 2023. (Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)
“I thought I had bad luck. With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey,” Lucius said in a statement. “Given this condition, my history of injuries and the physical nature of the hockey, they have advised me medically not to play.”
Lucius said he had been dealing with injuries to the joints over the years and that he had difficulty recovering from them.
“I feel blessed to have experienced everything that hockey gave me over the years even though I am crushed because I can’t continue chasing my dream of playing in the NHL,” he said.
Chaz Lucius of Minnesota is shown during the game against Michigan State on February 5, 2022. (Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)
The NHL star’s wife, Johnny Gaudreau, announces the birth of the son 7 months after his tragic death
“After a lot of discussion and consultation with Chaz, their representatives and medical professionals, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club fully supports its difficult decision to withdraw,” Jets said in a statement. “The condition of Chaz and fights with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) put him at risk of injuries if he continues to play professionally, so we understand his choice. We wish Chaz the best in his efforts to be a defender of those who deal with the EDS and expect a brilliant future in front of him.”
Lucius was a member of the National Development Program of the United States before playing at the University of Minnesota for the 2021-22 season. He competed in the World Juniors of 2023, where he and the United States won a bronze medal.
Chaz Lucius, of the US team, is shown against the Switzerland team during the IIHF World Junior Championship Game on December 29, 2022 in Moncton, Canada. (Give Preston/Getty Images)
During his time at AHL, Lucius, a center, played in just 54 games, registering seven goals and 20 assists.
