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.''
