Former Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell had his share of success while with the organization and was a favorite among fans. That it is why it is so hard to watch this video where he hints at retirement while in tears. It turns out that this wasn’t only a hint.
Bickell who started to have health problems during the 2015 Stanley Cup run and it was believed to be vertigo. He was never the same. He spent much of 2015-2016 with the Rockford IceHogs and the organization eventually traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes following the season.
Through the first seven games in Carolina Bickell only tallied one goal and was experiencing health issues again. On November 11, 2016 he was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) and was placed on the IR the following day.
Being the fighter and tough guy that he is, he never gave up. Bickell underwent his treatments and worked to come back. On April 6, 2017 he made his return to the lineup for the Hurricanes. Carolina didn’t win but it surely was a victory for Bicks.
After the game he gave this emotional interview and it seems as if these next two games with Carolina will be his last in the NHL. Then on Saturday afternoon, Bickell made it official that he will be retiring at the end of the season.
Bickell is still loved in Chicago and everyone has been rooting for him since his diagnosis. He will always be remembered for his game-tying goal in game 6 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final as the first part of “17 seconds.”
As much as people may remember his play it will be his and wife Amanda’s foundation that will leave the biggest legacy. Their selfless work with Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation creates awareness for pit-bulls and works with them to assist formerly abused children.
With all that Bryan Bickell has gone through and the good that he has done, maybe he will receive “One More Shift” with the Blackhawks next season.
[WATCH] An emotional Bryan Bickell spoke with the media following his first game back in Raleigh Thursday night: pic.twitter.com/mo2yP0vjtX
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) April 7, 2017
