On Thursday Morning, Adirondack Thunder forward Shane Conacher announced his retirement from professional hockey due to injuries. This comes as a bit of a shock after Conacher overcame testicular cancer during the 2018-19 season which limited him to a total of only 43 games last season. Conacher, however, would re-sign with the Thunder this year, but would get hurt early on in the season, appearing in only one game where he would record a goal and an assist.
In Conacher’s letter announcing his retirement, it was announced that he had a torn labrum in two places that would require surgery and keep him out most of this season which ultimately led to his decision to hang up the skates. Conacher’s full Thank You Glens Falls letter can be found here.
The 25-year-old forward has always been a special part of the Thunder’s roster during his three years with the team. When Conacher was unable to play, the team refused to clean out his locker and he even had a locker set up for him on the road. There is no question that Conacher’s presence will not only be missed on the ice, but it will also be a huge loss for the team off the ice as well.
During his career, Conacher spent time in the AHL and ECHL. Over this time period, he recorded two goals and one assist for a three point total. This took place through 20 games played between the Syracuse Crunch and the Toronto Marlies. In ECHL action, he scored 35 goals and 74 assists for 109 points in 124 ECHL games played.
He would spend his first year with the Orlando Solar Bears before having his rights transferred to the Adirondack Thunder. The Burlington, Ontario native added four goals and six assists, making for 10 points recorded in 19 career Kelly Cup playoff games.