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Rich Peverley announces retirement, takes up player development role with Stars
Next Thursday will mark 18 months since Rich Peverley collapsed on the Dallas Stars bench during a game and was treated for “a cardiac event.” March 10, 2014 will also mark what was his final game in the NHL.
On Friday, the 33-year old Peverley told Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News that he was retiring and will take up a player development role in the Stars organization.
“I’ve kind of been in a small development role in Cedar Park, and I really enjoyed that,” Peverley said. “I also was able to be almost an assistant coach as the eye in the sky, and that was something I was very proud of and I took very seriously. And that helped me get through those months and days when I really wanted to play.”
Peverley had been cleared for on-ice workouts last season, but still needed the OK from doctors and the NHL if he wanted to make a comeback. He pushed himself during rehab but he finally came to the realization his career was over.
While sitting out the 2014-15 season, Peverley gave the Stars an extra set of eyes in the press box during games and worked with the team’s AHL affiliate. According to Heika, Peverley’s new role will have him work out of his home in Ontario and help the organization’s junior and college prospects. He said his being undrafted will aid him in helping these prospects move up the hockey ranks.
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Peverley doesn’t deal with any effects from his collapse, the ablation procedure he underwent or the defibrillation device that was installed. He’s able to work out, play hockey with friends and live a normal life.
A member of the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning Boston Bruins, Peverley finishes with 84 goals and 241 points in 442 NHL games played between four teams.
Farewell, Rich Peverley. Farewell, Raptor Jesus.
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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