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Greg Wyshynski
Chaz Lucius, a former first-round choose for the Winnipeg Jets, introduced his retirement on Tuesday because of a hereditary tissue dysfunction.
The 21-year-old heart performed for the Manitoba Moose, the AHL affiliate of the Jets, this season.
Lucius stated he was identified with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which impacts the connective tissue that stabilizes and helps the joints and organs within the physique. He had handled joint accidents over the previous a number of years, each in sustaining them and recovering from them.
“I assumed I used to be simply unfortunate. With this analysis of EDS, I now understand that my physique couldn’t deal with the bodily nature of taking part in hockey,” he stated in a press release by way of Newport Sports activities, which represented him. “Given this situation, my damage historical past, and the bodily nature of hockey, I’ve been medically suggested to not proceed to play.”
Lucius is a local of Lawrence, Kansas. He was a product of the U.S. Nationwide Staff Improvement Program and later attended the College of Minnesota (2021-22). The Jets chosen him 18th total within the 2021 draft.
He performed for the Moose for the previous three seasons, lacking time because of damage. He had 9 factors in 25 video games this season however hadn’t been within the lineup since early February. Head coach Mark Morrison stated on the time that Lucius “has a medical situation that wants just a little bit additional analysis.”
The Jets stated in a press release on Tuesday: “After a lot dialogue and session with Chaz, his representatives, and medical professionals, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Membership absolutely helps his troublesome determination to retire. Chaz’s situation and struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) put him liable to damage if he continues to play on the skilled stage, so we perceive his alternative. We want Chaz all the most effective in his efforts to be an advocate for these coping with EDS and hope for a vibrant future in entrance of him.”
Lucius thanked the Jets group for its help “by way of a really difficult time,” singling out Mike Keane from the staff’s participant improvement workers for “caring for me as an individual in addition to a participant.”
He additionally thanked all of his present and former coaches and teammates. “I really feel blessed to have skilled all that hockey gave me over time regardless that I’m crushed that I can’t proceed to pursue my dream of taking part in within the NHL,” he stated.
Lucius stated he plans on being an advocate for these with EDS.
