Micheal Ferland finds new job after being forced to quit playing hockey!

It was a tough pill to swallow last week when it was announced that Micheal Ferland’s NHL career was over. The gritty forward was not part of the Canucks’ active roster last year and was  placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) to start the 2020-21 season.

This is all thanks to a frightening concussion history, one he had even before he signed in Vancouver, as he suffered another concussion just 12 games into the 2019-20 season during a fight with Kyle Clifford of the Los Angeles Kings.

Ferland attempted to return to action on three occasions, but was forced to leave each time with “concussion-like symptoms.” He returned for the postseason in the summer of 2020, but the symptoms returned. 

This prompted him to make the tough call of stopping playing hockey, as his loved ones worry about his well-being. 

“I am feeling better, I wish I could come back, but I know where I’m at now health-wise.

“No, I don’t think I’ll play professionally ever again. Definitely no contact ever again, I need to take care of myself.”

“My wife doesn’t want me playing anymore. So as much as I love to play and want to play, it isn’t worth it for me to get another concussion and be back in a deep hole. I want to start skating, playing recreational hockey, no contact.”

However on Friday, it was announced that Ferland had already found a new career, joining the Western Canada Hockey Academy. 

“Micheal Ferland joins the Western Canada Hockey Academy! The former Wheat King star that played 357 NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks has accepted a position as the new On-Ice Development Coach! Welcome to the WCHA Mike!”

This is fantastic news for the beloved forward, who finds new ways of staying involved in the game and sharing his passion. 

Congrats, Ferland!