WINCHESTER – Former Ottawa Senator Matt Carkner has announced his retirement.
The Winchester native posted on his Facebook account Wednesday that he is finished after an 11 year pro career.
Carkner, 35, points to plaguing injuries – primarily his back – for his decision to hang up the skates.
“I’ve gone as far as I can with my body and unfortunately injuries have finally caught up to me and I can’t compete anymore. I loved every second of it and can’t believe how quick it went by. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of my parents, and my family & friends, near and far!”
The Winchester, Ont. native was drafted by the Montreal Canadians in 1999 and had 237 career NHL games for the Sharks, Senators and Islanders.
He had four goals, 27 points and 556 penalty minutes.
Carkner plans to take up a coaching position with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers – an AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders – next season.