Former Windsor Spitfires defenceman Tyler Nother. Photo courtesy of Aaron Bell/OHL Images.Former Windsor Spitfires defenceman Tyler Nother. Photo courtesy of Aaron Bell/OHL Images.
Windsor

Spitfires' Tyler Nother Leaving Hockey

A key piece of the Windsor Spitfires defence is hanging up his skates.

Defenceman Tyler Nother, who suited up for all four of the Spits' Memorial Cup games earlier this year, announced Wednesday that he is retiring for medical reasons. The Spitfires say the decision came after much soul searching and consultation with coaches, family, teammates and doctors.

"Following an injury and after medical consultation it has been determined that I am no longer able to play hockey," says Nother in a written statement. "I have enjoyed my time in the Ontario Hockey League tremendously, especially having the opportunity to raise the Memorial Cup over my head with my teammates back in May."

Nother says he will miss suiting up with his teammates and playing the game.

"I would like to thank the Spitfires ownership group, my billets, management, coaching staff, training, medical and front office staff, and of course my teammates, for all of their support. The entire organization has been nothing but first class and I will miss everyone dearly," says Nother.

The 19-year-old native of Orangeville, Ontario came to Windsor from a trade with the London Knights in 2015. Last regular season he scored a goal and nine assists for the Spitfires. In all , Nother played in 113 regular season game with Windsor plus 12 playoff contests.

Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel says Nother will be sorely missed in the locker room but the team respects and understands his decision.

"I know this has been a hard decision for him, leaving the game he's loved his whole life," says Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel in a statement. "But he's got a lifetime of great things ahead of him. As much as we will miss him on and off the ice, he's made peace with the determination, and we fully support he and his family for making it."

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