Jeremy Roenick’s retirement was a long time coming. I can’t believe he didn’t retire after his run with the Flyers considering he played the entire 2003-04 playoffs with a concussion
For those who don’t remember, JR missed an entire month leading up to the playoffs with a concussion and then took some big hits during the playoff run only to later reveal he suffered yet another concussion. To emphasize his career, I will say it one more time… CONCUSSION.
JR was a target every time he took the ice because he brought a lot of baggage by being the most outspoken player of his time and maybe even in the history of the NHL. He could score goals and throw checks with the best of them, he was one tough customer. I will never forget Derian Hatcher destroying Roenick with his head down. For those who have never seen the clip, be sure to Youtube Roenick/Hatcher. Hatcher breaks Roenicks jaw and JR skates to the bench himself and there is a close up of him playing with his jaw. It is disturbing actually.
Because of his reckless style, he was a fan favorite in every city he played in. Fan-friendly is actually an understatement, when he first signed with the Flyers I took the drive to the Skate Zone and had my Olympic Team USA jersey signed by him. Not only did he sign my jersey but he also offered to bring it inside to get John Leclaire to sign it too.
Roenick was not your typical camera-shy hockey player either. He was a reporters dream. If you needed a quote, you could go stand by JR’s locker for a minute and you could fill the page. JR will be missed on the ice but it was definitely his time. I am sure that we will not have to wait very long to see JR in front of the cameras.
