5-times world champion, Stanley Cup winner Frantisek Kaberle retires because of storied cancer
Frantisek Keberle, Czech Republic Ice Hockey player, who achieved so much in the field of hockey, has retired because of storied cancer. He took this decision last month but his decision was not made public until a Czech Republic newspaper reported it.
The 38-year-old defenseman is one of the most decorated players in the sports of ice hockey as he won IIHF World Championships five times (1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005), Bronze Medal in 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Games and Stanley Cup in 2006.
About not telling anyone and being so quite about his retirement, Karbele told the newspaper that he does not making statements and making headlines. He is someone who does not like to be in limelight so he did not arrange any conference for the purpose
of announcing retirement when he decided to quit hockey in July. The Kladno, Czech Republic native told NHL.com,
"I was never fond of any great statements. In July I decided not to play hockey anymore, but I did not want to organize any press conference or other things because of that."
The 6-foot-1, 190 pounder also mentioned the reason of his retirement that it is his health which is going down. But even then he could continue as he was approached by some Czech republic teams but he wanted to spend time with his family, staying at home.
Kaberle added,
"It's not about the age, it's not about my health. Of course, I can feel I'm getting older and I have some minor health problems here and there like all players of my age do. But that would not stop me from playing hockey. I could have continued if I'd wanted
to. I've had some offers from other Czech clubs, but I wanted to finally stay at home.
Kaberle had started his hockey career in Czech Republic before moving to Sweden to play in Elitserien Hockey League. He made his NHL debut for Los Angeles Kings in 1999-2000 season and went on to play for two more NHL teams, Atlanta Thrashers and Carolina
Hurricanes there. He played total of 523 matches in the NHL, in which he scored 29 goals, 164 assists and total of 193 points.
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