Hockey striker Martin Hanzal has confirmed to the overseas media the end of his career in the NHL.
The thirty-three-year-old center last entered in December 2018, and its return to the elite competition was prevented by protracted health problems with its back. After last season, Hanzan’s three-year contract with Dallas ended.
“If I wasn’t injured, I’d play even further, of course. I’d love to add a few more seasons so my kids can see me play, but I believe that’s probably how it should be as part of my life. I’m quitting because of my injuries, but I am happy for my career and what I have achieved, “said Hanzal.
Hanzal, a native of Písek, had back surgery in March 2018, a few months after he was injured at the end of November of the previous year. He then underwent spinal fusion, a surgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are joined. Although he returned to the ice after six months of convalescence, back problems persisted.
“This decision is a bit of a relief, because for the last few years I wasn’t sure if I would ever play another NHL game or if I would be healthy at all. But now it’s official – I’m done in the NHL. After three back surgeries and especially after I just can’t go through the latter again, “Hanzal explained.
“I did everything I could to get back, but after that last operation, it took me a year to get back on the ice. When I was with the doctor again, it was about either quitting or undergoing another one. In addition, the doctor admitted that they are not sure of the result that the next operation will help me… I still have a long life ahead of me and I do not want to undergo another operation when it is not 100% sure that it will help me, “added the 17th draft he was chosen by Phoenix.
He played for the club from the 2007/08 season and spent moving to Arizona with him. In February 2017, it was acquired by Minnesota, where he finished the year and subsequently agreed with Dallas. He played a total of 673 games in the regular season of the NHL and scored 338 points for 127 goals and 211 assists. In the playoffs, he added another 13 points (5 + 8) in 28 starts.
But it is definitely not over with hockey. He and his brother Jiří founded the Samson České Budějovice team in the South Bohemian Regional League, where they also attracted big-name players such as Radim Vrbat, Václav Nedorost and Rostislav Klesl. Hanzal himself expressed the belief that sometimes he would also be able to play. The very first match of the team against Hluboká nad Vltavou (6: 1) was adorned with a hat trick and on top he added an assist.
“I feel good. It’s nice anyway that I don’t have players behind me in the fights around the goal who would still be kicking me in the back,” Hanzal said.
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