A shoulder injury has forced Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Sawyer Mick to retire from hockey. Mick will instead pursue a new career as a firefighter.
Mick is enrolled in a three-month firefighting course at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. After Mick completes the course, he will participate in a two-week practicum en route to becoming a firefighter.
“Sawyer is a great person and player,” said Bulldogs’ head coach and assistant director of hockey operations Paul Esdale.
“His leadership and work ethic will be sorely missed, but we are happy to see him follow his dreams of becoming a firefighter.”
Mick joined the Bulldogs in August 2010, coming from the Vernon Vipers (he is the younger brother of Troy Mick, who has played and coached in the B.C. Hockey League, Western Hockey League, East Coast Hockey and International hockey leagues).
Due to a shoulder injury, Mick felt that he wouldn’t be able to play the way he would have been expected to play, Esdale said.
By pursuing a new career at this time, it also opens the door for another player to join the roster.
“I would like to thank everyone for the amazing opportunity to serve in the community and play hockey,” Mick stated in a press release.
“It was the best hockey town I have ever played in.”
Mick also added, “Big thanks to all the coaching staff, Tom McEvay, my billets, Rick and Cheri, and all the wonderful fans.”