Konawalchuck retires due to heart condition - TSN

[SueNJ97]

Sad, I also saw a few days ago that Greg Johnson of the Wings might have to retire because of his heart. I always liked Konawalchuck. Hope he lives a long, healthy life.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=179261&hubname=nhl

Konowalchuk announces retirement

TSN.ca Staff

9/29/2006 12:31:19 PM

DENVER - Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Konowalchuk announced today that he's retiring from the game of hockey after a 13-season career in the NHL.

Konowalchuk made this decision official after undergoing an additional series of tests relating to his heart condition. This condition was detected during medical tests that all Avalanche players underwent prior to the start of training camp. Results from a standard EKG test revealed an abnormal reading.

''In Steve's case, the abnormal reading prompted further tests which revealed he has Long QT Syndrome, a genetic disease involving electrical conduction which can lead to irregular heart rhythms,'' said Dr. Steve Friedrich, Avalanche cardiologist. ''Steve and the physicians in Rochester conferred with multiple national centres in order to form a consensus regarding his condition.''

Konowalchuk agreed that it was best that he retire from the game he loves.

''After a complete evaluation from a number of different physicians and experts associated with this condition, we decided that this was the best and only alternative for me,'' said Konowalchuk. ''As much as I'll miss the game of hockey and all that it's provided for my family and I, my health was the number one priority.

''This has been a very painful process, but I'm very proud of a long NHL career and happy to have a lifetime of special memories and friends to take with me.''

Konowalchuk, 33, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals in the third round, 58th overall, in the 1991 Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Avalanche from the Capitals along with the Captals' third selection in the 2004 Entry Draft in exchange for Bates Battaglia and the rights to Jonas Johansson on October 22, 2003. Over his 13 NHL seasons, he appeared in 790 NHL contests, amassing 171 goals and 225 assists. He made 52 NHL playoff appearances tallying 21 points (9g/12a).

''Steve is a true professional and will be known for playing the game as it should be played

[Elias26]

That too bad 33 is way too young.

[LOTCB]

Man that is sad to hear....always liked Kono as a player, not flashy, but solid and works hard etc...I wish him nothing but the best in the future

[thefiestygoat]

I wish him the best.

[Pepperkorn]

You know while it's sad they have to retire I'm always glad they've had the battery of tests to catch this stuff... if they had just been normal guys this kind of thing would go undetected

[rbdf]

not for nothin', but there's been a ton of "heart ailments" lately - could it be the result of "supplements" and other such things that may not necessarily be steroids, but definately are not things that normal people take on daily basis in high quantities in order to maintain muscle mass when you burn as many calories a day as a professional athlete does?

[devilsfan26]

not for nothin', but there's been a ton of "heart ailments" lately - could it be the result of "supplements" and other such things that may not necessarily be steroids, but definately are not things that normal people take on daily basis in high quantities in order to maintain muscle mass when you burn as many calories a day as a professional athlete does?

It's because of the new NHL!

[E-Devil]

Sad to see him go, but its a good decision for him to make and he had a good career where he shouldn't have that many regrets.

Enjoy retirement.