Shaye Getzinger 

Medicine Hat, AB — Due to injury concerns Medicine Hat Tigers Alumni and Vancouver Canucks forward Derek Dorsett has announced his retirement from the National Hockey League.

 

The Kindersley Saskatchewan product spent his entire junior career in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers, appearing in 180 regular season games for the Tabbies, recording 49 goals and 79 assists for 128 points. He appeared in 43 playoffs games over three seasons, notching 34 points including 21 goals. In the 2006-2007 season, the Medicine Hat Tigers would clinch the Central Division pennant for the 4th straight season, making their 5th straight playoff appearance. Dorsett put up 19 goals and 45 assists for a career-high 64 points in 61 games in his final season in the Western Hockey League. The Orange and Black went all the way that year, claiming the Tigers 2nd Ed Chynoweth Cup in 4 seasons in an unforgettable game 7 double overtime victory over the Vancouver Giants. Brennan Bosch scored the historic double overtime winner in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd at the Arena. Dorsett recorded 16 points in 17 postseason games, finding the back of the net for 8 goals and helping on 8 others during the magical postseason run.

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Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced that Derek Dorsett will not return to the Canucks active roster because of health risks and reasons associated with a cervical disc herniation. Team Doctors recommended that Dorsett considers not returning due to long-term health risks.

 

“The latest evaluation of Derek’s neck revealed that he’s sustained a cervical disc herniation adjacent and separate to his previous fusion,” said Dr. Watkins. “Given his current condition and the long-term, significant health risks, I advised Derek not to return to play.”- Dr. Robert Watkins

 

Dorsett went on to say that he was devastated by the news.

 

“It will take a long time for this to truly sink in. As hard as it was to hear, Dr. Watkins’ diagnosis is definitive. There is no grey area, and it gives me the clarity to move forward. I have a healthy young family and a long life of opportunities ahead of me. Hockey taught me a lot and it will help me be successful in whatever I choose to do in the future.”I still have so many thoughts to share and people to thank for all of their support,” continued Dorsett. “What I can say for certain right now is that I left it all out on the ice. I gave my heart and soul to the teams I played for and never backed down from a challenge, including this one. I am proud of the way I played. It made me successful and a good teammate. Most of all I am truly honored and grateful to have lived the NHL dream.”- Canucks Forward Derek Dorsett 

 

Derek Dorsett played 10 seasons in the NHL with three organizations (Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks) recording 127 points (51G, 76A)  in 515 NHL games.