PWHL Detroit Loses Defenseman to Medical School

In its infancy, some PWHL have to make choices when it comes to their future.

For defenseman Claire Thonmpson, a long-term career meant stepping away from hockley to pursue her studies in orthopedic surgery.

Thompson. 28, spent the last two seasons playing for the Canadian Olympic team and for Minnesota and Vancouver of the PWHL.

"A career in medicine has always been an overarching goal of mine,: she told The Athletic. "I feel that now is the best time in my life to step away from hockey."

Her decision ends, at least for now, a career that saw her win a gold medal, a PWHL championship with Minnesota, and Olympic records for points by a defenseman.

She will return to NYU to resume her studies.

Her decision is rare, but not unprecedented. Red Wings farmhand Jordan Pearce, who played for Grand Rapids and Toledo, became an orthopedic resident surgeon after he retired in 2014

Others who become surgeons include former MSU goalie Troy Ferguson and Lake Superior State forward Stephen Mulholland.

Other athletes who retired early in their pro careers include Rob Richie, who spent part of the 1989 season with the Detroit Tigers and then retired, citing his Jehovah's Witness faith. He became a probation officer.

Richie, by the way, is not to be confused with Rob Ritchie, better known as rapper Kid Rock.