Penn State announced Tuesday that junior defenseman Mike Williamson has decided to end his playing career due to chronic injuries.
“Unfortunately and sadly, Mike Williamson informed us that, due to his health, he will not play hockey anymore,” PSU coach Guy Gadowsky said at Tuesday’s press conference. “He’s been struggling with injuries for over a year now and the episodes get worse and worse. After talking with his family and the physicians, he’s come up with this decision.
“It’s unfortunate because the guys on the team love him. He’s an extremely popular player in the locker room. I think the whole team is really sad to hear this news. He will remain a part of us doing whatever he can. He’s hungry to do that. He loves Penn State and is staying here to get his degree and help the program.”
Williamson, a finance major, appeared in six games this season and 49 for his three-year career at Penn State after being a 2013 NHL draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks (sixth round, 175th overall).
The 6-foot-4, 209-pound Williamson made 27 appearances as a freshman in 2013-14, tallying six points on two goals and four assists, while posting a minus-4 rating. Williamson also blocked 57 shots. In his sophomore season, Williamson had two points on a goal and an assist in 16 appearances with a minus-1 rating. This season, Williamson had one assist and a minus-2 rating.
Williamson will remain enrolled through the duration of his degree-earning curriculum.
