Pascal Dupuis is gone from the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup, but he’s not forgotten.
On Tuesday, Dupuis was forced to retire from hockey because of a medical condition related to blood clots. It was a condition he struggled with for more than a year, first being diagnosed with a clot after he was on blood thinners for six months in January 2014, then being diagnosed with a clot in his lung in November 2014, which ended his season.
The Penguins visit the Colorado Avalanche Wednesday night and when they step on the ice, they’ll do so with No. 9 decals on their helmets, in honour of Dupuis. Not only that, but Dupuis’ locker will be fully stocked in his absence.
Dupuis spent a total of nine seasons with the Penguins and had his best year in 2011-12 when he scored 25 goals and 59 points. Before coming to Pittsburgh, Dupuis spent time with the Atlanta Thrashers, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild. In total, he played 871 NHL games and recorded 190 goals and 409 points.
“It was very difficult for me to make this decision to have to step away from the game,” Dupuis, a 15-year veteran and Stanley Cup winner, said in a club release Tuesday.
“My wife and four children have always been my first priority, and playing with my condition has become a constant worry for all of us. I want to thank my teammates and the Penguins organization for their unwavering support during this difficult time.”
