Cody Hodgson retires from professional hockey

Cody Hodgson, who was forced to retire due to an unexplained illness he battled through so he could come back and get one kick at the cat while playing professional hockey, has retired again at the age of 34.

Hodgson, who was diagnosed with malignant hyperthermia in 2016, wanted to retire on his terms after giving hockey one more chance. He was able to get the dosage of his medication to control his illness at a level where he could push himself physically, which got him to a level where he signed a tryout contract with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL, the affiliate of the Nashville Predators. Hodgson skated in 13 games this past season, where he had six goals and 8 assists. During 328 National Hockey League games, he chipped in with 64 goals and 142 points across three different teams, including Buffalo, Vancouver, and Nashville.


Hodgson remarked that he returned to the game because he wanted to play, but he was encouraged by the support he received «I came back because I wanted to play. but it was nice that when I got the story out, I got tons of calls from families asking about how I was able to function with the disorder and keep it under control. I see that as a real positive. When people call me and ask me for advice, I just say, ‘Don't stop thinking it's possible to get back to a normal routine.' It might not be exactly how I do it, with the breathing exercises and the ice baths or different types of medication, but find what works for you and don't resign yourself to thinking it has to be this way forever. Keep working until you find a solution.



Hodgson retires being at peace with his decision. He gets to leave under his terms this time and knowing that he's leaving due to circumstances beyond his control gives him the closure he needed this time around.