Anders Nilsson explains why he had to retire at 31; talks life after hockey

After retiring from professional hockey at the young age of 31 in early August, former goaltender Anders Nilsson is talking about what led to his issues on the ice. In an interview in his home country of Sweden, Nilsson explained that he suffered two concussions, one as a result of a collision with a member of the Vegas Golden Knights in October of 2019, and then another after taking a puck to the top part of his mask in December of the same year. Nilsson says the first one took some time to diagnose.

"I didn't have a headache, and if there are no headaches, there is also no concussion. That's what the NHL thinks," he said. "However, after that blow, I was really tired all fall."

After the second one in December, Nilsson said things got really bad. Any light or sound really irritated him and he slept often during the day.

"It took over a year before I was able to go to the grocery store without symptoms," he said.

As for his retirement, Nilsson said he just wants to be able to live a normal life again, and he knew that wouldn't be possible if he continued playing hockey.

"I just want to be able to do ordinary things and make my daily life run smoothly with children and family," said Nilsson. "It's finally starting to work."

Nilsson and his wife have three young children; one together and one each from previous relationships.

Nilsson said his symptoms have calmed down considerably since his second concussion in 2019, but some still linger.

"I am still extremely sensitive to light and I have to wear sunglasses even in cloudy weather. Sometimes it's hard to be with children because light and sound are distracting. I am constantly tired and easily angered. But I am grateful that I am even at this point today."

Nilsson played a total of 161 games in the NHL with the New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators. He was technically a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, but did not play for the team.

Source: Is.fi

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