“A giant in Penguins history,” Patric Hornqvist FORCED to retire after brain injury leaving 15-year NHL career legacy, Twitter reacts
Patric Hornqvist hangs his skates after glorious 15 years of NHL career following his brain injury during the 2022-23 season against Kraken.
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Patric Hornqvist [Image Credit: Sportsnet]
Former Swedish forward Patric Hornqvist retires from NHL after a brain injury during the 2022-23 season in a game against the Seattle Kraken. The injury occurred in a December game followed by several concussion trials earlier.
The forward noted that his injury was the key reason for him to consider his career in the league. The legend played with several teams including Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Florida Panthers. He was part of the crucial 2016 Stanley Cup win for the Pens where he teamed up with Sidney Crosby in the front line.
No one would have ever imagined that the last 2005 draftee will be reunited with Crosby in 2014. Ironically, Hornqvist who was drafted last in 2005 teamed up and skated in the first line with the Penguins star during the Stanley Cup championship.
Patric Hornqvist talks about NHL career and idol Sidney Crosby
![Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist [Image Credit: NHL/Pittsburgh Hockey Now]](https://firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Untitled-design-12-4-1024x768.png)
Although Patric Hornqvist may be retiring from the scene, his iconic 2017 Stanley Cup-winning goal can never be forgotten. Even with his retirement announcement, fans are relishing the 2017 electric moment when the crowd went wild as the Pens celebrated their 2nd Stanley Cup trophy.
Not only is the winger a 2x Cup champion, but he also won gold in the 2018 World Championship in Denmark. He stated that he is happy to be “involved and contributed to those victories.” “I could never have dreamed of that,” Hornqvist added.
Unfortunately, the Swedish-born was limited to only 22 games during the 2022-23 regular season, adding 543 points in 901 NHL career games. Hornqvist, nicknamed ‘Horny’ said that it was a “difficult decision to make”, but considering “my injury history and don’t want to risk anything in the future.”
He thanked all fans, players, and coaches that contributed to his growth in NHL. If there’s anything he’ll miss, that’ll be “the camaraderie in the locker room”. But he’s “looking forward to the rest of my life” and how the future will shape following his retirement from ice.
Regarding playing with Sidney Crosby, ‘Horny’ stated that ‘Sid the Kid’ was “my favorite player growing up…it’s pretty impressive to be on the ice with a guy like that.” He admitted he was upset to be “blindsided” when he got traded to Panthers from the Penguins but he really wanted to be part of a team that wanted him.
According to NHL.com, he stated, “I find out Pittsburgh didn’t want me and Florida really wants me, it was an easy choice for me and my family.” Regardless of his trade, he brought value to the Panthers line-up and played his fullest till his retirement announcement.
Apart from playing on the NHL stage, he also participated in several international tournaments. Setting aside his 2018 World Championship win, he also took part in U18s and World Juniors. Hornqvist played in five World Championships and was also part of the 2010 Olympics.
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Kaushani Chatterjee
(2193 Articles Published)