Former NHL forward Jakub Voracek says his playing career is over

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Cooper Godin
April 23, 2024 (11:02)

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It's never easy for a professional athlete to retire early or be forced into retirement due to injuries, but that's the case with former Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jakub Voracek.

In an interview with CNN Prima News in Czechia, Voracek announced that his playing days are over and shared that throughout his professional career, he's suffered from 12 concussions. Voracek shared that he's looking forward to spending more time with his family and his children as well.

"It's because of the head and the injury. It's just over, but that's part of a hockey career. One day it ends and another starts something new," he pointed out, adding that he had suffered twelve concussions. "Four were heavier, eight smaller," Voracek said.

He added, "I have more time for my children and my life in general. I can live my own life. I will remember hockey and my career in good terms,"

Voracek said that it wasn't hard to accept that injuries ended his career and that he doesn't feel sorry for himself because his life is more than just hockey. He added that he's satisfied with his long career in the National Hockey League, while also representing his country - Czechia, at several international events.

"It wasn't hard to accept that it was over. I knew it couldn't be done. And if something doesn't work, there's no point in worrying about it. I don't feel sorry for myself when something goes wrong. That's just the way it is. Life isn't just about hockey, I've seen it like that my whole career," he said, adding that he has fond memories of hockey because he's spent more than a decade on the ice and made a lot of friends: "I have nothing to complain about. I have played fifteen years and over a thousand matches, I am satisfied. It's time to do something else." Voracek said.

The 34-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and will likely file his official retirement papers following the end of his contract in late-June. This past season, Voracek was behind the bench as an assistant coach for Kladno, a team which is owned by his former teammate and friend, Jaromir Jagr.

Voracek appeared in 1,058 career games in the National Hockey League with the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets where he had 806 points (223 goals, 583 assists) and 525 penalty minutes. He also put up 28 points in 49 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

On the international stage, Voracek represented Czechia on several occasions, including the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2019 World Championship, where he finished tied for second in scoring with 16 points.

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