Chaz Lucius was selected in the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets. Now, the 21-year-old center has shared some devastating news: he’s retiring from hockey.
Lucius, the 18th overall pick of the 2021 draft, has spent the past three seasons with the Manitoba Moose, the AHL affiliate of the Jets. But now, his hockey career has come to an end—at just 21 years old.
In a statement, Lucius revealed that he has been diagnosed with the rare condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a disorder that affects the connective tissue responsible for stabilizing and supporting joints and organs. Over the past few years, he’s struggled with frequent injuries and slow recoveries.
“I thought I was just unlucky. With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey,” he said in a statement, per ESPN. “Given this condition, my injury history, and the physical nature of hockey, I have been medically advised not to continue to play.”
Chaz Lucius forced to retire
Lucius was a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program before attending the University of Minnesota. He appeared in just 54 AHL games over three seasons and hadn’t played since February—until now, the reason had remained unclear.
“After much discussion and consultation with Chaz, his representatives, and medical professionals, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club fully supports his difficult decision to retire,” the Jets said in a statement. “Chaz’s condition and struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) put him at risk of injury if he continues to play at the professional level, so we understand his choice. We wish Chaz all the best in his efforts to be an advocate for those dealing with EDS and hope for a bright future ahead of him.”
Lucius also shared that while he’s “crushed” by the news, he now plans to become an advocate for others diagnosed with EDS.
“I feel blessed to have experienced all that hockey gave me over the years, even though I am crushed that I cannot continue to pursue my dream of playing in the NHL,” he said.
READ MORE: Alex Ovechkin returns to ‘X’ only to chirp Curtis Joseph
