Fifteen-year NHL veteran Ian Laperriere has been told by doctors he should walk away from the game permanently because of post-concussion symptoms and nerve damage, New Jersey’s Courier Post reported Wednesday.
The Philadelphia Flyers center took a puck above the right eye during a game against the New Jersey Devils in April.
Two different doctors in the past week have reportedly informed Laperriere to seriously consider the permanent effects that could result if he continues to play.
''When I get the lights going and there is movement around me, it gets worse and worse and I feel like I'm not myself,'' Laperriere said.
''That's what scares me, and that's why I can't play. If I'm not sharp out there, especially with my game, I'm going to get killed.''
The Flyers placed Laperriere on injured reserve in September because of the concussion’s lingering effects.
Laperierre’s career has taken him through five NHL organizations. He currently has two years remaining on his contract with the Flyers.
