In a move that has sent ripples through the NHL world, Vancouver Canucks star goaltender Thatcher Douglas Demko stunned fans and left head coach Rick Tocchet speechless today with a blockbuster announcement.
After a season marked by resilience and roller‑coaster returns from injury, the 29‑year‑old netminder revealed he’s officially retiring from professional hockey at the conclusion of his current three‑year contract — a decision that caught players and management off guard.
“It’s been the hardest decision of my life,” Demko told reporters, voice thick with emotion. “But after everything I’ve gone through — the knee injury, the rehab, the stops and starts — I need to step away while I still can. I love Vancouver and this team, but it’s time.”
Demko, who agreed just three days ago to a three‑year, US $25.5 million extension with the Canucks, had been regarded as the backbone of Vancouver’s goaltending. He has appeared in 242 regular‑season games, boasting a 2.80 goals‑against average with a .910 save percentage, and has twice been named an All‑Star
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The announcement came mid‑day at Rogers Arena, where Tocchet — visibly affected — described the news as “jaw‑dropping” and paused for over a minute before regaining his composure to praise Demko’s character, leadership, and unmatched resilience.
“Thatcher has fought through more adversity than most players see in a decade,” Tocchet said. “He’s been the heart and soul of this team. I want to respect his decision, though it breaks my heart.”
Demko’s path in Vancouver has been heroic. After back‑to‑back knee setbacks, including a challenging rehab from a torn popliteus muscle, he emerged mid‑season to record multiple shutouts and anchor the team’s push toward contention
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General Manager Patrik Allvin expressed support and gratitude, calling Demko “an absolute warrior and one of the defining leaders of our era. We’ll miss him, but we’re proud of his legacy in Vancouver.”
What Comes Next?
With Demko’s departure scheduled at the end of the contract, attention shifts to Vancouver’s goaltending depth chart. Kevin Lankinen, recently extended through 2029, is in line to take over as the starter. Backup Artūrs Šilovs and prospect Artūrs Silovs are also expected to battle for NHL minutes next season
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Demko, meanwhile, hinted that his future will focus on coaching, youth development, and spending time with family.
“I’ve given everything to the net for this team. Now, I want to give back in other ways and be there for my wife and young daughters,” he said.
The hockey world will feel his absence as summer turns to the 2025–26 campaign. But Demko’s impact — as a top‑class goalie, locker room leader, and fan favorite — will echo across BC Place and beyond for years to come.
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