NHL enforcer forced to retire at just 32 due to injuries

In case you missed the news this past weekend, NHL enforcer Cody Bass has officially retired from professional hockey at a 12 year career. The 32 year old was forced out of the game due to multiple injuries.

Bass is probably best remember from his time with the Ottawa Senators, but also played parts of four seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators. Ultimately though, he was an journeyman AHL forward who managed to win a Calder Cup championship during his days with the Senators’ AHL affiliate in Binghamton.

“Over my career I’ve had a ton of injuries, and my body just doesn’t feel the same way anymore,” Bass said to reporters, per The Collegian. “I think going into the summer and trying to look for an opportunity to play again, but nothing really (happened). It was one of those things that was a mutual decision. For me, I was done with the game, my body was telling me ‘no more,’ but my heart was telling me to play, [and] the game was almost telling me that ‘it’s my time.’”

So, what’s next for the tough guy?

“I’m working on my real estate license,” Bass said. “I’m hoping that will provide something for me in the future. … I’m really trying to look for an opportunity to stay in the game. I have a dream and a passion to work players and possibly being a coach of some sort in the future. That’s something I’m trying to pursue right now.”

All the best to Bass in whatever life has in store for him.