Former Maple Leafs prospect goalie Scott forced to retire at just 23

He never played an NHL game and unfortunately never will… That’s because Ian Scott, the CHL’s top goaltender in 2019, announced on Thursday that he is retiring after fighting off injuries for most of his pro hockey career.

He is just 23 years.

A few weeks ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who selected him in the fourth round, 110th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, elected not to give him a qualifying offer.

He announced his retirement on Instagram:

“No athlete wants to make this kind of post but I have decided to step away from playing hockey. Over the past few years I’ve been battling injuries and working hard to get back to full playable health but unfortunately I have decided to take a step back & start a new life chapter.”

In his last full season of competitive hockey in 2018-19, Scott was named the CHL’s goaltender of the year, leading the Prince Albert Raiders to a WHL title. He was named playoff MVP with a 16-6-1 record with five shutouts and a sparkling .925 save percentage. He also served as backup to Michael DiPietro on Canada’s 2019 World Junior Championship team.
Scott however missed the entire 2019-20 season after undergoing hip surgery. He then only got into six games in the COVID-19-shortened 2020-21 season between the AHL and ECHL.

Injuries kept him away from the game he loves this past season : he took part in just one period of an ECHL game with the Newfoundland Growlers.

Scott had potential for the Maple Leafs as second-ranked goalie behind Joseph Woll in the prospect pool. Injuries unfortunately took the opportunity away.

All the best in the future, Ian.