Derek Dorsett (born December 20, 1986) is a Canadian former professional ice hockeyright winger who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Blue Jackets drafted him in 2006 in the seventh round, 189th overall. After nine years in the NHL, Dorsett retired after repeated injuries to his neck. He is currently the assistant to the head coach of the Upper Arlington ice hockey team. Dorsett was best known for his role similar to that of an enforcer.
Playing career
Junior
Dorsett played major junior ice hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and helped them win the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions in 2006–07. Dorsett established himself as a gritty player with Medicine Hat, leading the team in penalty minutes in 2006–07 while finishing tied for second in team scoring with 64 points.
Dorsett during his tenure with the Canucks in 2015.
Vancouver Canucks
On June 27, 2014, Dorsett was traded by the Rangers to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.[2] Upon joining the Canucks, he switched his jersey number to 51, as his usual 15 was being worn by teammate Brad Richardson. In the 2015 season, he posted career highs in both assists and points, and scored seven goals; his most since 2012 (including three game-winning goals). On April 8, 2015, the Canucks signed Dorsett to a four-year $10.6 million contract extension.[3] Following Richardson's departure from the team in the offseason, Dorsett changed his jersey number back to 15 for the 2015–16 season, where he led the league in penalty minutes with 177.
Injury and retirement
On December 5, 2016, the Canucks announced that Dorsett had herniated a cervical disc in his neck. The injury required surgery, sidelining him indefinitely. He had managed one goal and three assists in 14 games up to that point in the 2016–17 season.[4]
On November 30, 2017, Dorsett announced his retirement from the NHL.[5] This was simultaneously announced alongside news that he had again herniated a cervical disc in his neck, a separate injury from his previous one. He decided to end his career after learning this information, citing health reasons and risks associated with playing.
"I'm devastated by the news. It will take a long time for this to truly sink in. As hard as it was to hear, Dr. Watkins' diagnosis is definitive. There is no grey area, and it gives me clarity to move forward. I have a healthy young family and a long life of opportunities ahead of me. Hockey taught me a lot and it will help me be successful in whatever I choose to do in the future."
Playing only 20 games in the 2017–18 season, Dorsett managed to record seven goals and two assists, as well as 74 penalty minutes.[6]
Personal life
Dorsett and his wife, Allison, have three children together (two sons and one daughter). They also have a doodle.[7][8]
