Thunderbirds’ Jared Pelechaty retires from hockey

In a surprising piece of news, Thunderbirds 17-year-old defenseman Jared Pelechaty has retired from hockey due to a recently discovered spinal issue.

“There was an issue detected in our preseason physicals with his spine,” Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell said. “Although not injured today, continuing in contact sports was not recommended and he has decided not to try to play any further. He is very disappointed but realized he was fortunate to have discovered this now.”

Pelechaty, who is from Winnipeg, played in nine games for the T-Birds last year and registered one goal and four penalty minutes. This year, he was expected to challenge for a full-time role among Seattle’s top six defensemen.

In his brief stint last year, Pelechaty looked like a player who had a bright WHL future and certainly figured into Seattle’s future plans. During the offseason he worked tirelessly to give himself every opportunity to make the team, but unfortunately Pelechaty won’t get that chance.

From the T-Birds’ perspective, Pelechaty’s retirement shrinks their pool of young defensemen to choose from, though they did sign 16-year-old Tyson Terretta to a contract last week. Besides Terretta, 17-year-old Reece Harsch will also vie for a spot on the team.