In shocking news today Carolina Hurricanes captain announced that he will not be joining the team for the start of the 2019-20 season and will be taking a break from hockey instead.
Justin Williams has announced that he is taking a break from the NHL
He will not join the team at the start of the 2019-20 season
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— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) September 2, 2019
This news comes at a time when all teams are starting to gear up for Training Camp to prepare for the upcaming season. In a statement releaed by the Hurricanes, Williams had the following to say:
“This is the first time in my life that I’ve felt unsure of my aspirations with regards to hockey. For as long as I can remember, my whole off-season until this point has been hockey and doing what was necessary to prepare for the upcoming season. Because of my current indecision, and without the type of mental and physical commitment that I’m accustomed to having, I’ve decided to step away from the game.
“It’s important to me that the focus of attention is on the current, very talented group the Carolina Hurricanes have assembled, as they prepare to build on the momentum and growth we established last season.”
Williams, who is 37 years old, has played in 1244 career NHL games with the Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals. Williams is also a three time Stanley Cup Champion with Carolina (2006) and with Los Angeles (2012 and 2014), and won the Conn Smythe in 2014. Williams also recorded 312 goals, 474 assists for 786 points in his NHL career.
Of the decision, Hurricanes President and General Manager had the following to say:
“We appreciate Justin’s honesty and openness throughout this process, and respect his decision.He’s been an important part of our team, but we did prepare our roster with the understanding that he might step away. We are confident in the group we’ve assembled.”
Only time will tell in regards to what Williams will ultimately decide to do, but whatever he chooses to do he knows it will be right in his heart.
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