Former Red Wings Player Forced To Retire After Dealing With Injuries
A former Detroit Red Wings player has been playing the last few seasons in Europe, and unfortunately has had to retire from hockey due to nagging injuries.
A veteran former winger of the NHL who has spent the last few seasons playing overseas has retired. Word of the retirement came through his Swiss National League team, EHC Biel, for whom he played this season.
A native of Zurich, Damien Brunner appeared in just six games for EHC Biel this season due to injury and did not record a point. He has spent the last seven seasons of his career with the club.
Damien Brunner played for Detroit and New Jersey in the NHL
Prior to Switzerland, Brunner had played one season with the Detroit Red Wings posting 26 points in 44 games, and two seasons in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, posting 13 goals and 32 points in 77 games.
His time in New Jersey ended early in the 2014-15 season when his contract was mutually terminated after he cleared waivers.
Since leaving the NHL, Brunner had returned to his native Switzerland, signing a five-year deal with HC Lugano.
Brunner's timing for making the leap over to North America was somewhat bitter-sweet since he had left Swiss club Zug just in time to miss out on their championship triumph, a championship he most definitely would have won had he stayed.
In any case, Brunner has most definitely made his presence known on both the NHL as well as on European hockey scenes. Whatever may lay ahead for him, all anyone could do now is wish him the very best.
