Journeyman Ryan O'Byrne retires after 10 seasons to finish degree
After 10 seasons with countless stops on the way, Ryan O'Byrne is calling it quits.
The 32-year-old defenseman announced his retirement on Twitter on Thursday, planning to finish his degree at Cornell University.
After 10 years, I'm retiring from Pro Hockey. Can't begin to thank everyone enough for the support and friendship over the years! (1/2)
— Ryan O'Byrne (@ryanobyrne84) July 21, 2016
(2/2) Now what - I'm heading back to Cornell University to finish my degree.📚📝 Thanks for an amazing ride! pic.twitter.com/xRfYwjOlTd
— Ryan O'Byrne (@ryanobyrne84) July 21, 2016
O'Byrne was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round in 2003 and also played for the Colorado Avalanche before wrapping up his final NHL stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 postseason.
He spent the last three seasons in the KHL, Switzerland, and Sweden, respectively, and finished his NHL career with 39 points in 308 games.