Komets defenseman Jason Kean announced his retirement today after missing most of the season with a concussion. Kean suffered his third concussion in November, and resumed skating in practice two weeks ago.
``I just was kind of fed up with being injured all the time,'' Kean said. ``I thought about it (before), but I figured it would be all right to go back out and skate again. In practice I felt good, but every time after I would get sick. This has been the worst. It's been tough because it has affected my whole life.''
Kean said this is the third concussion he has suffered during his career. He said he has some interviews lined up and hopes to use his economics degree in the business world.
He said his best memory was last spring when the Komets advanced to the Colonial Cup Finals. Kean, a defenseman, came back from injury to play forward and never complained.
``I just like to play, especially in the playoffs,'' he said. ``I loved playing in the playoffs and making that run. I'm very proud of myself and my teammates for battling through all the adversity to make the finals.''
Kean, 26, played 46 games with the Komets last season, scoring 11 goals and adding 22 assists to lead Fort Wayne defensemen with 33 points. Kean was also named to play in the UHL All Star Game. During the playoffs, he played in 18 games with 10 points. This year he played in eight games with two assists and 11 penalty minutes.
"I go out like this and I didn't make it to the NHL like I dreamed of as a kid, but I'm pretty proud of what I've accomplished. I always said I'd never play when it became a job and it's starting to get that way so it's time to go.''
Comments
I wish Jason the best of luck in whatever endeavors come his way. It was truly a pleasure to watch him with the Komets these last two seasons. I am sad he had to go out like this.
Sucks to go out that way but probably the wise decision. Good Luck Keaner! We'll miss ya but Olivia Proulx won't!
Good Luck Keaner in whatever it is you do. This is why people go to college and get degrees..It was truely a pleasure to see you dawn the orange and black for 2 seasons...
Good Luck! Be sure to come back and visit..(like at the autograph booth) if you go outside of Fort Wayne.
GOOD LUCK, YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THANK YOU
Gosh, this is disappointing news...but when it comes to health, this is a wise choice. It would have been nice to see Kean back in orange; the team could only have benifited from it. Well Kean best of luck, you were a great player and will certainly be missed by fans. Don't forget to visit.
GOOD LUCK Jason! Ill never forget the night you had Proulxs number!
Good luck to Jason in the future!
Probably a wise move. You just never know with concussions. Enjoy yourself and good luck with whatever you decide to do from here on out.
Good luck, Kean! You had a great run in the playoffs last year, and I was sorry to see you get injured this season. I wish you all the best! Fort Wayne fans will miss you!
Good luck keaner, i was hoping for your healths sake that you would make this decision but am sorry to see you go.
I think the whole situation regarding Jason Kean is a real shame. I don't suppose he ever got a get well card from Dolyny. I think Dolyny's hit of Jason into the glass was brutal, but what still really ticks me off is he never even got a penalty for what I thought was an obvious call. I have seen lesser hits result in a major and the automatic game misconduct for intent to injure. Who was the referee on November 16? I can't remember. It's one thing to get injured in the course of play, but I think that hit where his head got pounded into the glass was not your everyday hit.