Providence Bruins defenseman Jonathan Girard has informed the team that he is retiring from pro hockey.
Girard was attempting a comeback this season after missing the last two years rehabilitating from serious injuries suffered in a July 24, 2003, car accident in Quebec.
"We were hoping that Jonathan would be successful in his comeback attempt, but his doctors have advised him that he is not physically able to compete at the level of professional hockey," said Bruins general manager Mike O’Connell.
"The hard work and determination that he has shown over the past two seasons gearing toward training camp this year was truly an inspiration to all of us associated with the team. He is a courageous young man and we are thankful that, although he is unable to resume his hockey career, he has recovered from his injuries.”
Girard, 25, played one game this season with the AHL’s Providence Bruins, on Oct. 15, before returning to Quebec to consult with his doctors. An AHL All-Star in 2002, Girard skated in 104 career AHL contests with Providence after being selected by Boston in the second round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
He attended Boston’s training camp in September and played in four pre-season games with the Bruins before his assignment to Providence.
Girard’s career NHL totals are 10 goals and 34 assists for 44 points in 150 career NHL games.
