This is truly a bittersweet moment for myself and for all Tbirds fans. I feel for Steve and I know the difficulty that comes with the end of an athletes career. On the positive side, Chaffin can now focus his efforts on going to school and getting his education and live a long healthy life without worrying about the dangers that are associated with severe head injuries.
I wish Steve the best of luck and we wish him well in his future endeavors.
Press Release can be found here.
EDIT: Tbirds website link is not currently working so I am going to directly cut and paste here.
T-BIRDS DEFENSEMAN STEVE CHAFFIN RETIRES
Chaffin will take full advantage of WHL Scholarship
"After consulting with team doctors, my family and the T-Birds, I have decided to retire from hockey," said Chaffin. "I have enjoyed my three years with the T- Birds but after suffering multiple concussions I have decided not to risk further injury."
"Steve was a valuable member of our team and will be missed," said Farwell. "But this decision is in his long term best interest and we support his decision and wish him well."
"Steve will take the rest of this year to determine his field of interest and will move on to make use of the WHL Scholarship," continued Farwell. "This is the purpose of our scholarship program and we expect Steve to make full use of this benefit."
The T-Birds take on the Tri-City Americans on Friday, December 11, at 7:35 p.m. at
T-Birds single game tickets for the 2009-10 season are available online at the T-Birds website and at the
T-Birds Group tickets are currently on sale. Group tickets can be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825.
2 comments :
This has been brewing for a while, even before his most recent concussion. After the last one I figured that was probably it. He was really playing well for a stretch there it's a shame. But there is only so many shots you can take to the head. I hope he he finds success in whatever he does.
We will miss Steve -- He certainly was a favorite of the guys in the locker room. It is sad to see a young man have to walk away from a game he loves. He seems to be heading out with his head high and a focus on the future - GOOD LUCK Steve!!!
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