Former NHLer Nick Sorensen ends career at 26 after seventh concussion; 'I had suicidal thoughts'

To say Nick Sorensen has had a battle with his physical and mental health lately would be a huge understatement. The 26-year-old, who was once a prospect of the Anaheim Ducks after being selected in the second round (45th overall) in 2013, has announced the end of his playing career after suffering his seventh concussion in November of 2019. Sorensen had been playing in the Swedish Hockey League since 2017 after leaving North America to return home, but says he can no longer continue.

"I will not be able to play ice hockey anymore, my life is very different today compared to a few years ago," said Sorensen in a recent interview.

Sorensen detailed six months after his last concussion of barely being able to get out of bed and wearing a bathrobe constantly. He said his wife became his "personal assistant" and lost her social life and was scared to leave him alone with their young daughter.

"I had suicidal thoughts," said Sorensen. "It went so far that I called my mother and said I had to divorce my wife because I felt they could not live that life. I would have to release my wife and child so that they would not have to take care of me. I only saw one way out."

Sorensen was diagnosed with deep depression and is currently on medication to help with the symptoms. However, he stressed that he still has a lot of headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting despite the latest concussion happening well over a year ago.

Sorensen was born in Denmark but moved to Sweden at a young age. He made the Anaheim Ducks team out of training camp during the 2016-17 season, but was moved to the minors after six games. He would finish out the season with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL before deciding to continue his career back home. After three season with Linköping HC of the SHL, he would sign with Rögle BK for 2019-2020, but managed just 15 games before suffering the seventh concussion that would ultimately end his career.

MUST READ

2 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Negotiations Reportedly Underway With the NFL's Washington Commanders for a Return to Controversial Logo

3 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente St. Louis NHL Hopeful Colin Brown Tragically Passes Away at 16 After Succumbing to Injuries From Violent Crime

4 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Identities of the Men Who Attacked Paul Bissonnette Exposed: More Disgusting Crimes Come to Light

7 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks Make Trade Involving Young Forward

9 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Robin Lehner Dropped by His Bankruptcy Lawyers: Has Not Been Heard From in Several Months

10 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine Suffers Loss of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Disaster Condo Purchase

12 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks New York Rangers Call Emergency Meeting: Significant Changes Coming Imminently

Nov 26  |  By Tom Banks Pittsburgh Penguins Reportedly Make a Massive Offer for Former Sixth Overall Pick: We Have the Details

MORE STORIES