Blackhawks' Brent Seabrook reveals harsh reality behind career-ending injuries
Photo credit: USA Today
Brent Seabrook opens up about the injuries that ended his NHL career.
Former Chicago Blackhawks star Brent Seabrook has come forward with harrowing details about the injuries that prematurely ended his illustrious NHL career.
In a candid interview with TSN, Seabrook outlined the series of injuries that sidelined him, starting with being placed on long-term injury reserve on December 26, 2019.
The Blackhawks revealed at the time that Seabrook would need three major surgeries to address issues in his right shoulder and both hips, causing him to miss the entire 2019-2020 season. Read more about Seabrook's initial injury announcement here.
The final blow came with a severe back injury before the preseason training camp in 2021. This injury was so debilitating that Seabrook was immobilized for three months, leading to his decision to retire in March 2021.
"I couldn't walk," Seabrook told TSN in a recent interview. "I was ready to go, and then all of a sudden, I couldn't walk. It was three months of banging my head against the wall trying to get healthy."
His revelations included a poignant reflection on the toll his career took on his body, hinting at the internal battles athletes often face.
«I told my body to screw off for 15 years and it finally turned around and said, well, I'm not going to do it anymore."
Throughout his career with the Blackhawks, Seabrook was a key player in the team's three Stanley Cup victories, appearing in 1,114 games, scoring 103 goals, and providing 361 assists. Despite his successful career tallying 464 points and 661 penalty minutes, the physical demands were relentless.
"I had a great career," he said. "Maybe my stubbornness of not missing games � wanting to be out there with my teammates � affected my body later on. You don't want to go out that way. I wanted to go out on my own terms."
Now transitioning to a coaching role, Seabrook brings his extensive experience and knowledge to the Canadian National Junior Hockey team as they prepare for the 2024 World Junior Championship.
His journey from NHL star to mentor is being closely watched, as his insights and leadership are expected to greatly influence young players. Follow Seabrook's coaching journey here.
Seabrook's story is not just about the glory of victories or the number of games played; it's a sobering tale of physical sacrifice and the harsh realities of competitive sports, serving as both a caution and an inspiration to future generations.
Source: Hawks Insider
Brent Seabrook emotionally opens up on the gruesome ending to his hockey career
Brent Seabrook emotionally opens up on the gruesome ending to his hockey career
| POLL | ||
16 JUILLET | 72 ANSWERS Blackhawks' Brent Seabrook reveals harsh reality behind career-ending injuries Will Brent Seabrook go down as one of the greatest defenseman in Blackhawks history? | ||
| Yes | 57 | 79.2 % |
| No | 15 | 20.8 % |
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