Blagden retires from hockey

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Nick Blagden is stepping away from hockey once again.

The Saint John Sea Dogs announced Thursday that the 20-year-old forward is retiring from the sport after rejoining the club on Nov. 5.

From the team's Facebook page:

After re-signing with the Sea Dogs earlier this month and thrilling fans with two great games in his return to TD Station last week, Nick Blagden has announced his retirement from hockey.

Thank you Nick, it was a pleasure to have you back at TD Station and we will be cheering you on as you continue your work in the mental health space!

Blagden appeared in four games with the Sea Dogs over the past few weeks, recording a goal and an assist. He gave the Sea Dogs some much needed veteran experience with several key players sidelined with injuries.

A Saint John area native, Blagden essentially announced his retirement from high level hockey in August, deciding to focus on his mental health advocacy work. Before rejoining the Sea Dogs, he had appeared in one game with the Southern Senior Hockey League's River Valley Rock, recording a goal and an assist.

Blagden, known as a gritty and physical third/fourth line type of player, had a goal, an assist and 25 penalty minutes in 20 games with the Sea Dogs last season. He appeared in one playoff game.

The Sea Dogs have struggled to dress three overage players all season with Nikolas Hurtubise, Brady Burns and Charlie DesRoches all missing time with injuries at some point. Marshall Lessard was traded to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

The Dogs return to action on Friday and Saturday, visiting the Maritimes Division-leading Halifax Mooseheads.