After years of battling concussions, Sarnia Legionnaires captain Hunter Tyczynski has decided that his playing days are over.
The Petrolia native took the Christmas break to see if he could overcome his latest set back.
He says even after a couple weeks away from the rink and work, he still didn't feel right.
"Obviously one of the toughest decisions I've had to make, I've had multiple concussions over my five years in the league and I figured over the break I could gauge how I'm feeling, and I just wasn't feeling 100%."
This was his second year as team captain, which is something he took tremendous pride in.
"When I came into the league at 16, I was a relatively local guy coming from Petrolia so I always had a lot of friends and family watching," says Tyczynski. "When they gave me the captaincy last year it was a huge honour, having Jeff Paulley and Nate Mater as my previous captains, to be able and try to fill those guys' shoes is a huge honour."
Tyczynski, a Lambton Jr. Sting graduate, played in 172 regular season games with the Legionnaires, scoring 38 goals and 84 points.
Looking back on his five years with the hockey club, he says it's hard to think of specific moments that stick out, but has memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
"There's a million memories in this rink (Sarnia Arena), some of the guys I got to play with over the years. I've got to learn from some of the best players and the best characters I've ever met in my life."
"Those guys will always be my buddies, and that's likely the best thing I can take away from this."
Head Coach Mark Davis says he was fully behind Tyczynski, and understand the tough choice he had to make.
"I don't blame him, life is a lot more important than junior hockey, and you have to worry about your health. He was a great leader and he'll be missed like you wouldn't believe," says Davis.
"I wish him all the best of luck and I know all the players feel the same, the guys loved him in the room."
Tyczynski says telling his teammates was likely the hardest part.
"That's the reason you come to the rink, to see those guys, it was really tough. You see those guys almost everyday, they're like family."
Brett Storr, another former Lambton Jr. Sting, has been named team captain going forward.
The two played minor hockey growing up, and Tyczynski says he was a great choice to wear the 'C'.
"He's been one of my buddies forever, we've been playing together since we were in diapers. If I had to chose someone it'd be him, he'll be a great leader."
Tyczynski says he'll remain with the team for the remainder of the season, and help in any capacity he can.
He hopes to eventually move in coaching.