One of the Halifax Mooseheads’ all-time fan favourites has retired from hockey.
Kevin Cormier, at just 24 years of age, reported to New Jersey Devils training camp this week only to meet with general manager Lou Lamoriello and tell him he has decided to call it a career, according to the Bergen Record newspaper.
The six-foot-three 236-pounder from Cap-Pele, N.B., had one season left on a two-year contract that was to pay him $500,000 at the NHL level and $50,000 in the minors.
Originally drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the sixth round (168th overall) in 2004, Cormier averaged just 18 games per season because of injuries since turning pro in 2007-08.
Cormier played for the Mooseheads in 2004-05 and 2005-06, accumulating 18 goals and 16 assists for 34 points along with 442 penalty minutes and 164 hits in 130 games. He was known as one of the most feared enforcers in the QMJHL.
Fans of the team voted Cormier 15th most popular player in franchise history.
