Guilbault leaves Thunderwolves to give education more attention

After missing most of the season because of a concussion, Pierre-Marc Guilbault is hanging up his skates to focus on his education.

The fourth-year Lakehead Thunderwolves defenceman was restricted to just 12 OUA games this year, and though he’s since been cleared to play by doctors, said he felt he’d be better served in the classroom, where he’s set to graduate with a mechanical engineering degree.

Guilbault intends to apply to the renowned Massachussets Institute of Technology for graduate studies.

“As a graduating mechanical engineering student, the risks inherent at this level of competitive hockey are too important to be ignored,” Guilbault said in a release issued by the team. 

“Although I don’t seem to suffer from any symptoms anymore, I decided to put an end to my hockey career, and I will not return to competition.”

 “The Lakehead Thunderwolves organization, as well as its fans, are second to none and I am truly thankful for the support they have provided me during the past four years.  I wish them luck for the rest of the season.”

Lakehead coach Joel Scherban, already facing a depleted lineup, told tbnewswatch.com during the team’s most recent homestand that Guilbault and forward Arron Alphonso would not play again this season.

He said he has nothing but good wishes for the high-scoring defenceman as he moves forward with his education.

“Pierre is an incredibly intelligent and hardworking student.  He has set lofty academic goals for himself that require his full energy at this point in his academic career. We thank Pierre for his three-plus years of service to Thunderwolves Hockey and wish him the best - we know he has a very bright future in front of him."

Guilbault had two goals and four assists this season and finishes his OUA career with 16 goals and 35 assists in 85 games.