Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman opens up on the heartbreaking reason his career was cut short at
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A former Vancouver Canucks and National Hockey League defenseman has revealed the reason why his career in professional hockey was cut short a few years ago.
1,200 days, that’s how long it’s been since former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tucker Poolman stepped onto the ice the National Hockey League or any hockey game for that matter, skating in 18:22 during a 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Former Vancouver Canuck Tucker Poolman reveals why his career ended early
During a recent interview with Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald, Tucker poolman revealed that in March 2023, after many doctor appointments and months spent trying to figure out what was going on, he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy.
“Poolman’s neurologist wrote that the findings were compatible with Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG) — a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the autonomic nervous system. According to Cleveland Clinic, only about 100 people in the United States are diagnosed with it per year.” Schlossman said.
After discovering what was the issue and trying to treat it, which helped his flare-ups subside, Poolman attempted to play again, but unfortunately he had to miss the final year of his contract, nearly full three seasons on the sidelines and once his contract expired last summer, he knew his time in hockey was over.
“Thankfully, it’s more of a question of quality of life pending the continued effectiveness of medications. Everyone has something they are struggling with. Not to make light of my situation, but I’m grateful for the new perspective. It makes no sense, but there is an underlying peace now that I didn’t have before. Jesus said that he gives a peace that the world can’t give. I sense that peace.” Poolman said to Schlossman.
The 32-year-old finished his time in the National Hockey League with 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) in 163 games with the Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks.
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Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman opens up on the heartbreaking reason his career was cut short at just 29
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