Ryan Vandenbussche Announces Retirement

[LineBrawl]

New Mexico Scorpions' Player/Assistant Coach Ryan VandenBussche announces he is retiring. The former NHL veteran will not be able to take the ice again as a player due to medical reasons.

VandenBussche, 33, came to the Scorpions Dec. 19 in hopes of helping the Scorpions through the end of season. In addition to his on ice responsibility, the Simcoe, Ont. native was also named an assistant coach.

Unfortunately, over the past few weeks a reoccurring injury returned. After talking to team doctors and his family, VandenBussche decided the best thing would be to hang up his skates.

“Unfortunately this is a decision I have to make,” said VandenBussche. “The Scorpions gave me a great opportunity to play and also learn the coaching side of the game.”

“In my short time I learned some useful things from Ray Edwards and the Scorpions organization treated me with as much class as any team I have ever been with.”

VandenBussche moves on to the next stage of life after playing in 687 professional games, including 311 games in the NHL. The hard nosed right wing was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the eighth round of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.

After playing in the Leafs minor league system, VandenBussche was traded to the New York Rangers and made his NHL debut during the 1996-97 season. He spent parts of two seasons with the Rangers before suiting up for another original six team, the Chicago Blackhawks.

While in Chicago for seven seasons VandenBussche became a fan favorite for his blue collar style of play on the ice. He finished his exciting NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.

Over the nine seasons in the NHL, VandenBussche collected 10 goals, 10 assists and 702 penalty minutes. Over his 15 year professional hockey career, he scored 44 goals, collected 88 assists and amassed 1,822 penalty minutes.

“This is always a tough day for any athlete no matter what sport or level they play at,” said Dave Ellett, Scorpions President. “The entire Scorpions family wishes Ryan the best of luck in his future endeavors and pleased that he was a part of our organization.”

Though medical issues take him away from the ice as a player, VandenBussche hopes to return home and pursue a career in coaching. He hopes to start at the junior level in and eventually work his way to the minor leagues in North America.

“I think he has a future as a coach,” said Ray Edwards, Scorpions Head Coach. “In the short time he was with us, he showed a good mind for hockey and I wish him the best on the coaching side of things.”

New Mexico finished the first half of the 2006-07 season with a 15-14-3 record. Lance Herauf and Rob Guinn will head to Bossier-Shreveport to take part in the 2007 Dodge CHL All-Star game on Wednesday night. The Scorpions return to the ice Friday night in Amarillo . After facing the Gorillas, the Scorpions will visit Colorado and Arizona to finish the six games, 18 day road trip.

[PuckHogs29]

I hope Ryan decides to stick with coaching, it's always good to see tough guys stay in the game in some capacity.

[drwdan19]

Too bad. Happy retirement Ryan.

[PhantomsSTH1977]

that's a shame, hockey loses another tough guy...Good luck to ya Ryan!

[MadMel]

Thats to bad being forced to retire rather than go out on your own terms..
Vandy was a fav..guy was a warrior with hi-light reel fights! never a dull fight when he got going...

[vandymeer13]

Cheers to the man who "Backed down to no one and went toe to toe with everyone." He was a true hockey great at least as far as fighting goes and always exciting. He'll always be number 14 im my eyes in the Indian head sweater. Good luck Ryan and thanks for your great years with the Blackhawks.

[Vandenbussche]

This is sad news to me. Thanks for everything Vandy!

[caps05]

Sad to hear, but glad to hear it wasn't the game's new rules forcing him out.

Best of luck Ryan!

[rondo]

Can't remember the movie i'm reciting this from but Vandenbusche "had balls big enuff to come in a dump truck". Good luck...

[Lead]

Thanks for all the great fights and good luck for him whatever he will do in future.

[Glovdropov]

I agree with all said previous...he is a true warrior. I'm just curious...what was the injury?

[Mr. Pink]

I hope I get to see his CHL fights.

[pondhockey]

Vandenbussche had some classic NHL scraps back in the day. Good luck in the future Vandy!!

[solid]

did he have any fights in the CHL? what was injured?

[MrFrost]

Hopefully he can coach or something.