Former Philadelphia Flyers star Jakub Voracek has officially retired from hockey, citing health and concussions as the reason for stepping away from the ice.
Voracek gave an exclusive interview to CNN Prima explaining his decision and what lies ahead.
“It’s because of the head and the injury. It’s just over, but it’s part of a hockey career,” Voracek told CNN. “It ends once, and something new begins elsewhere. Four [concussions] were so heavier, eight smaller.”
Having not played in the NHL since very early on in the 2022-23 season, Voracek has taken up coaching in his spare time. In fact, he’s actually been coaching Jaromir Jagr at Kladno.
“(Jagr) called me in September if I could help. So I decided to try it part-time. I enjoy it a lot. We’ll see what happens in the future, but I can’t go on ice anymore,” Voracek explained.
The 34-year-old was first acquired by the Flyers on June 23, 2011, in a trade that sent Jeff Carter and multiple draft picks to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Voracek spent 10 memorable seasons in Philadelphia, scoring 177 goals, 427 assists, and 604 points in 727 regular season games.
Voracek finished his Flyers career with the 10th-most points in franchise history, trailing Mark Recchi by 23 points for ninth. One of the best playmakers in franchise history, his assist totals greatly contributed to that. Voracek’s 427 assists rank fifth in franchise history, with only Bill Barber, Brian Propp, Claude Giroux, and Bobby Clarke ahead of him.
“It was not difficult to accept that it was over. I knew it wasn’t working,” Voracek added. And if something doesn’t work, it’s not worth thinking about. I’m not self-pitying when something doesn’t work. It’s just like that. Life isn’t just about hockey; I’ve seen it this way my whole career.”
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