Breaking: A second player in two days forced to retire due to injury.

Despite his best efforts to return to hockey, veteran defenseman Keith Ballard has announced his retirement.

"I didn't want to retire at this time, but with the bigger picture in mind, it was a no-brainer," Ballard said as per The Star Tribune's Mike Russo. "You look at so many athletes and they struggle for so long and I don't want that to be me. I want to live a healthy life, be there for my wife and kids."

Ballard has not played since a terrifying incident exactly one year ago today that left him convulsing on the ice after suffering his latest concussion as well as several facial fractures. Now more than a year later Ballard says he still suffers symptoms "here and there."

It will come as little surprise but Ballard says his primary motivation for retirement was his family. Ballard openly admits that he's uncertain what kind of life he would have if he suffered another major head injury.

"If I make a full recovery from this concussion, I'll chalk it up to good luck because, I'll be honest, if I was hit like that again, I'm freaked out about what could happen the next time."

There's some indication that Ballard is considering the prospect of become an agent, whatever he decides to do we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

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