Dallas Stars forward Rich Peverley has announced that he will retire from hockey and take on a player development role with the Stars on Friday.
Peverley did not play at all last season, following a cardiac incident that occurred on March 10, 2014 during a game at American Airlines Center against the Columbus Blue Jackets. There’s been talk of Peverley training since camp last season and that he hoped to make a return at some point. Peverley’s announcement makes it clear that a return has been ruled out for the 33-year-old.
It was a frightening incident that had medical staff trying to revive him in the hallway to the locker room and ultimately ended that game to be rescheduled at a later date.
Peverley is a veteran of 442 regular season with 84 goals and 157 assists, plus a Stanley Cup ring won in 2011 with the Boston Bruins. Those games in the undrafted forward’s career were divided between the Bruins, Stars, Nashville Predators and Atlanta Thrashers.
Peverley was at a lot of Stars games last year scouting and even spent time with the club’s AHL squad in Cedar Park doing some of the same. According to The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Heika, Peverley, in his new role, will be based out of his home in Ontario and he’ll help the Stars scout amateur prospects.
Heika quotes Peverly on his decision and his new role:
“It was working out, monitoring how I was doing, continuing to see doctors to exhaust every avenue and find out exactly if I could play,” Peverley said of his rehab. “It’s a case that’s very complicated, and what I have learned is there is no 100 percent to medicine and, unfortunately, I can’t play anymore.”
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“I think, not being drafted, I can help kids who are trying to move their way up,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ve been through something that every player can relate to.”
Rich Peverley was the ultimate teammate and the best guy to sit beside during my first 4 years. Heck of a career & all the best in new role!
— Tyler Seguin (@tseguinofficial) September 4, 2015
Happy to have this guy sticking around the @DallasStars family and excited for whats to come. #TopNotchGuy #Pevs https://t.co/EXI80a95kH
— Jamie Benn (@jamiebenn14) September 4, 2015
Was an honor to meet and be part of the same team as Peverley , sad to see a competitor like that go.. All the best to him and his family!
— jason demers (@jasondemers5) September 5, 2015
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