Striker Paul Byron confirmed his retirement in a letter to fans.
Here’s what he had to say:
After several months of considering the best decision for my health and my family’s future, I came to the conclusion that it would be best to retire as a professional hockey player. After many long rehab sessions, therapies, consultations and conversations with various doctors trying to get back in the game and continue the job I love so much, the decision was clear. Throughout my life I have managed to defy all odds and prove my critics wrong. I hoped for a long time that I would be able to do this again, and that made the decision so difficult for me. But the reality is that due to injuries sustained in my last game and previous seasons, I am no longer able to train, skate, or perform at the level required to be a professional hockey player is. Although it is difficult to accept this reality, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful and proud of the career I have enjoyed. If you had told me when I was very young, and even in my early twenties, that my life and career path would be like this, I would never have believed you.
Looking back, it’s hard to imagine how I went from playing Junior B hockey to becoming an assistant captain with the Montreal Canadiens. In fact, I still find it difficult to understand how this all happened, but it is thanks to my hard work, beliefs, dedication and a very high level of competition that I have been able to have a career that many people are interested in We had doubts at a very young age. I have also been very fortunate to meet some incredible people who have helped me along the way and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me grow as a player or person, both on and off the ice.
I would like to thank all of my former teammates, coaches, equipment managers and the staff of the teams and organizations I played with during my career for all of your time, dedication, work and the memories we shared together. I have been very fortunate to meet so many great people who have made professional ice hockey an incredible experience for me. With all the games, flights, bus rides, practices, rookie camps, training camps and meals along the way, I have been very lucky and am truly grateful for the friendships and connections that have been made over the years.
To the Gatineau Olympics organization, Benoit Groulx and Charlie Henry, thank you for noticing a young man playing Junior B hockey in Ottawa and for giving him the opportunity to play in the majors. Play junior ice hockey. When no one else in Ontario believed in my chances of success because of my size, the conversation we had in my parents’ living room helped change my destiny.
Many thanks to Adam Bracken, everyone at Fitness Lab, Tony Greco and everyone at Greco Fitness for the many hours of training each summer in preparation for the start of a new hockey season, which have greatly helped me achieve a level of physical conditioning to this level allows me to play at the NHL level despite my size.
I am grateful to my agents and representatives JP Barry, Peter MacTavish, Pat Brisson and everyone at CAA for all the advice, dedication and help they have provided over the years.
Thank you to Stewart, Chris, Matt and everyone at Gavin Hockey Wealth for looking after me and my family off the ice. A hockey player’s career is short and good financial advice is very important. Thank you for always taking care of my life outside of hockey so I can focus on my career.
Thank you to the Buffalo Sabers organization for taking the opportunity to sign me and giving me the opportunity to develop my playing skills in Portland, Maine and make my childhood dream come true.
Thank you to the Calgary Flames organization and Bob Hartley for recruiting me and giving me a real chance to establish myself as an NHL hockey player. Many thanks to my coach Troy G Ward in Abbotsford for helping me develop personally and convincing me to continue my career in the NHL instead of giving up and playing in Europe. Thank you to the great people of the City of Calgary and the C of Red for the incredible memories of the unforgettable 2014-2015 season.
I can never thank the Montreal Canadiens organization, General Manager Marc Bergevin, the Molson family, the coaches, equipment managers and therapists, and the entire staff enough for everything you have done for me over the last eight years. When I was claimed off waivers by the Habs, my life and career changed. I will always be grateful for that. Eight years in one place is an eternity in the hockey world, and the rink was a second home to me. I can’t help but feel incredibly proud and happy to have had the opportunity to wear the blue, white and red jersey of the Canadiens. Our run through the 2021 playoffs was an absolutely magical experience and even though we didn’t emerge victorious, I’m sure we’ll never forget it.
I would also like to thank all Canadiens fans for the incredible support they have always shown me and the passion they have for the team. Your energy and pride can be felt not only at the Bell Center, but also in many cities along the road. They make playing for the Montreal Canadiens an experience like no other.
Thank you to my in-laws Jean, Kathy, Neal, Maude and my nieces Amy, Alyson and Laurie, my best friend Jeremy and all my other close friends and extended family for all your love and support over the years. Thank you for attending Bob’s games and traveling to American Hockey League cities, Ottawa and other NHL cities. I have always appreciated and am grateful for the passion and support you have shown me throughout my career. Even as a guest, the games in Ottawa always felt like home games to me. I felt at home there.
My mother Gail, my father Randy, my brothers Mike and Lee and my nephew Liam, I sincerely thank you for your time, your love, your support and your sacrifices over the years that have made it possible for me to achieve my dream. All tournaments, travel, hotels, midweek training sessions, weekend games and all associated costs. As a parent, it’s now my turn to experience all of this with my own children, which makes me even more aware of how much you all have sacrificed so much for me and I just can’t thank you enough. Whatever the odds, you always believed in me while helping to increase my confidence in my abilities.
I would like to thank my daughter Elianna and my son Brysen for always encouraging me and being my biggest supporters. I love you both very much and I enjoyed having the opportunity to share my experiences with you. There’s no better feeling in the world than getting a big hug after a game, no matter the outcome. As a father, I couldn’t be prouder of you and can’t wait to be there for you and help you achieve your dreams.
I cannot thank my wife, partner and best friend Sarah enough for your love and support throughout our years together. It wasn’t easy moving across North America, away from family, to be by my side when we were still in our early twenties. Renting apartments and caravans, constantly moving from place to place, living in a hotel room for months until you were called back, even during pregnancy. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to share my life with. Wins or losses, moves, the uncertainty of being on waivers and now retiring, you have always been there for me when I needed you. As we move on to the next chapter of our lives, I am confident and excited about what lies ahead. I love you with all my heart.
Thank you to all hockey fans, young and old, for making the NHL the best hockey league in the world. Without you, none of us would be able to achieve and live this dream. To all young hockey players: Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it or that you aren’t good enough. I am proof that you can be successful and achieve your biggest dreams. Believe in yourself and put in the effort to achieve your goal. Concentrate and pay attention to the advice your trainers give you and make every effort, day after day, to progress step by step. Success isn’t easy, so never let doubt get in the way of your ambitions. We wish all ice hockey players good luck and look forward to seeing you in the arena.
-Paul Byron