Veteran defenseman Drew Bagnall has announced that after eight pro seasons he will hang up his skates. Bagnall announced his decision to retire in the Democrat & Chronicle, saying he’s “decided to hang ’em up” and that he’ll be “looking for a big-boy job in the real world.”
Bagnall has been hampered by injuries to his shoulder and knee over that last couple of years, playing just 41 games last season and 51 the prior season, both for the Rochester Americans.
He played a total of two NHL games, both of which came during a three-year stint with the Minnesota Wild organization where he predominantly played for the Houston Aeros, who are now the Iowa Wild.
Sadly fewer AHL vets like Bags are getting jobs. Guys like him are invaluable not only as a player but mentor. Brings so much to the room
— Mike McKenna (@MikeMcKenna56) September 1, 2015
A turn toward coaching wouldn’t be surprising for the former captain at St. Lawrence University. He also captained the Manchester Monarchs in the 2009-10 season, the Houston Aeros in the 2012-13 season and the Rochester Amerks for the two seasons he laced up there.
By the way, Drew Bagnall is the only human I've ever met that once caught a turkey using his (massive) bare hands and a sport coat. #Legend
— Mike McKenna (@MikeMcKenna56) September 1, 2015
Draining a putt results in a Drew Bagnall chest bump…now I can't breathe. Like I ran into a cinder block wall @stlawrenceu @SkatingSaints
— Mike McKenna (@MikeMcKenna56) July 8, 2015
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Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.
