After Recovering From A Skull Fracture, Blake Geoffrion Retires

On November 9th, Blake Geoffrion was playing the game he loved.  On November 9th, Blake Geoffrion played as hard as he ever did.  On November 9th, Blake Geoffrion played his last hockey game.

The events on that fateful night are as follows:

“The 24-year old prospect was racing with the puck down the left side of the rink when he took a hit from Syracuse Crunch defenseman Jean-Phillipe Cote that sent Geoffrion flying into the boards. When he crashed to the ice, the left side of Geoffrion’s head landed on Cote’s skate, fracturing his skull and resulting in a chain of events that led him to the operating room.”

Video below:

After debating whether or not to retire, Geoffrion announced on Twitter today that he was stepping away from the game he loved:

After suffering an injury in November and taking time to recover and reflect, I have decided to step away from the game game of hockey for

— Blake Geoffrion (@BlakeGeoffrion) July 15, 2013

the time being. I would like to thank Geoff Molson, Marc Bergevin, the entire Montreal Canadiens organization as well as the Hamilton

— Blake Geoffrion (@BlakeGeoffrion) July 15, 2013

Bulldogs organization for everything they have done for me. They have been unwavering in their support, professionalism and kindness.

— Blake Geoffrion (@BlakeGeoffrion) July 15, 2013

I cannot thank them enough. Big thanks to all the fans of hockey as well.

— Blake Geoffrion (@BlakeGeoffrion) July 15, 2013

Blake Geoffrion’s hockey royalty bloodline courses through his veins.  His great-grandfather was Howie Morenz and his grandfather was Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion, both Montreal Canadiens legends in their own right.  So you can say it was almost destined that Blake would lace on a pair of skates and make a career playing hockey.

He developed with the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  As part of the Under-18 team, he won a gold medal at the World Junior Championships.  After progressing in the USHL, Geoffrion moved to the college ranks with the Wisconsin Badgers.  By his senior year, Blake became one of the best forwards in the 2009-10.  He lead the WCHA in goals with 28 and was awarded the Hobey Baker Trophy given out to the best collegiate hockey player.

Geoffrion was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 NHL Draft, and after his college career wrapped up, he was signed by the Nashville Predators.  Blake was bounced up and down between the NHL and AHL and was later traded to the Montreal Canadiens, the storied franchise his high-profile relatives played for once upon a time.  And then November 9th happened.

What’s in the cards in terms of Geoffrion’s future is anyones guess.  Perhaps he’ll go into the hockey operations side of the NHL.  He might take up coaching.  But he likely won’t be returning to play the game he loves all thanks to one very unlucky incident.

Godspeed, Blake!