Dorsett doesn't want you to feel sorry him

On Tuesday night on Sporstnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared some encouraging words on former forward Derek Dorsett, who ended his NHL career after issues with a spinal injury persisted following surgery.

In a letter written by Dorsett himself, fans can witness first hand that he is at peace with his decision to call it quits. 

The 30-year-old from underwent spinal surgery a year ago and was cleared to play in the 2016-17 season, but he recently began experiencing back and neck stiffness. In a moving letter, he explains why he does not want anybody feeling sorry for him. 

"I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. If you could give me a script and say, “This is the story of your life,” I would do it over and over again, a billion times. Hockey gave me every opportunity I could dream of. I lived the dream every Canadian kid wants to have. I got to play in the greatest league in the world, in the greatest sport in the world.

So, no, don’t feel sorry for me."

In the long and entertaining letter, Dorsett explains his life before he was picked in the seventh round by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2006. The roller-coaster ride of games and trades in the NHL. A career he would do all over again. He talks about the injury, the end of the road in the NHL and what is next. 

"My wife said I’ve had a great career, I’ve done everything I could and she was proud of me. She told me the best is yet to come, and I will be successful at whatever I choose to do next. My parents said they were very proud of me and were happy I could live a normal life."

The 30-year-old veteran scored 51 goals and 127 points in 515 NHL games split between the Canucks, the New York Rangers and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Known for his tough playing style, Dorsett added 1,324 penalty minutes to the mix. 

Well done, Derek.