Head coach Guy Gadowsky announced at his Tuesday press conference that defenseman Mike Williamson opted to end his career after dealing with an injury for more than a year. Gadowsky didn’t disclose the injury, but said it wasn’t concussion-related and that the program respects Williamson’s decision.

“Unfortunately and sadly, Mike Williamson informed us that due to his health he isn’t going to be playing hockey anymore,” Gadowsky said. “He’s obviously been struggling with injuries for over a year, and the episodes get worse and worse every time, so after talking to his family and physicians he came to that decision.”

“The guys love him. He’s an extremely popular player on our team, and so I think the whole team’s sad to hear that. He will remain a part of us doing whatever he can, he’s hungry to do that and he loves Penn State, but he’s made the decision he isn’t gonna put his body through any more, and we respect his decision.”

Williamson began his career at Penn State in the 2013-14 season, appearing in 27 games and putting up six points. He appeared in 16 games the next season and six this year, and his collegiate career started after being drafted in the sixth round by the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks.

In addition to being one of the program’s few NHL draft picks, Williamson was always regarded as a favorite inside the program and a fun defenseman to watch outside of it. We wish Mike the best of luck in his future endeavors, and thanks for his contributions to the young Penn State program.