Johnny Boychuk Retires After Second Injury to Right Eye

 

Johnny Boychuk announced his retirement from his 13 year career with the NHL after sustaining hefty  right eye injury last season. This is the second eye injury Boychuck has faced on his right eye. After numerous and extensive medical exams, his doctor told him that his peripheral vision is bad and it is because of the optic nerve damage he has faced. 

"It's been hard to process," He said during an emotional Zoom news conference. "When somebody tells you you're not going to play again or you shouldn't or else you're going to get seriously hurt, it's been really tough."

The career ending injury happened on March 3rd, when Boychuck had to receive 90 stitches and plastic surgery after being cut across his right eyelid by the skate of Artturi Lehkonen. He did return to the playoffs in August where he sustained a head injury and was out for 6 weeks before returning to play in two final games for the Islanders. 

"I knew there was something going on, but I didn't want to think about it because I wanted to play." He said. 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/islanders/2020/11/25/islanders-johnny-boychuk-retires-eye-injury/6426317002/