Injuries force Nicholson to retire

The 24-year-old defenseman was a solid contributor.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Citing injuries, Youngstown SteelHounds defenseman Matt Nicholson has retired.
"It is with tremendous disappointment that we are announcing the retirement of Matt Nicholson," said SteelHounds coach J.F. Laforest. "He was a solid contributor on the ice but of equal loss will be his efforts within our community to help underprivileged youths.
"Matt is a very unselfish person who continually put forth efforts to give back and help others. We will miss his professional approach to the game and his personal approach to the community. As an organization it is very difficult to replace a person of Matt's quality who served as an example of true professionalism for his teammates and all of the people he came in contact with."
Injury history
Nicholson, 24, has not played since he sustained a concussion on Dec. 13th at Fort Worth. The London, Ontario native has been diagnosed with several head injuries in his career.
"Due to my history of concussions, I have made the decision to retire from hockey," said Nicholson. "Although in many ways it has been a difficult decision to come to, I realize that it is absolutely 100 percent the correct decision to make in terms of my health and overall well-being.
"I know already that I miss many aspects of playing hockey, however I will always hold on to and look fondly upon the memories I have from the game. I would like to thank Mr. Herb Washington, George Manias, Coach Laforest and the rest of the SteelHounds organization for the opportunity I have been provided this season. I would also like to thank the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs organization and Coach Scott Muscutt for initially providing me with the opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing professional hockey."
Nicholson played in 20 games for the SteelHounds, scoring a goal with seven assists and 46 penalty minutes. Youngstown acquired his rights from Bossier-Shreveport in June's CHL expansion draft.
Community conscious
Nicholson made numerous community appearances at schools and with the Boys and Girls Club. His "Club 17" donated 10 tickets to every SteelHounds home game to the YMCA.
"I am saddened by the news of Matt Nicholson's retirement," said Manias, the team's general manager. "I know that this is a difficult time for Matt, but I support his decision. Our family and health should always be a priority. Matt will be missed. He is a warrior on the ice and a true gentleman off the ice. He exemplifies what I wanted out in the community representing the SteelHounds. He is a class act and I wish him good luck in his life after hockey."