Former Canucks Defenseman Heartbreakingly Forced to Retire at Just 29 Years Old
Photo credit: The Province
Just two years removed from his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks organization, Brady Keeper has announced his retirement at just 29 years of age, citing lingering issues after surgery.
The Manitoba native and right shooting defenceman played with the Abbotsford Canucks in 2022-23, but dealt with injuries throughout his time with the team.
Injuries force Brady Keeper to hang them up
Keeper announced himself on Instagram that his career was coming to an end, and shared that he has had lingering issues from a leg injury sustained while a member of the Canucks organization in 2021-22, a season in which he didn't play a single game.
The 6'2 defenceman played the following season with Abbotsford, but was limited to just 35 games, followed by just 22 in 2023-24 and eventually, Keeper took the entire 2024-25 season off.
Now, the 29 year old has said he's forced to accept his career needs to end.
Back in the 2021-2022 season, I broke my tibia and fibula while in Vancouver. After a long year of rehab during that season and throughout the summer, I was able to come back and play in the 2022-2023 season.
But to be honest, my leg never felt the same. Even with continued rehab, the pain remained. The metal rod that was inserted into my knee to stabilize the bone and make it stronger has caused ongoing pain ever since. It's been a constant battle-not just physically, but mentally as well. In my heart, I still want to play. But my body is no longer allowing me to.
But to be honest, my leg never felt the same. Even with continued rehab, the pain remained. The metal rod that was inserted into my knee to stabilize the bone and make it stronger has caused ongoing pain ever since. It's been a constant battle-not just physically, but mentally as well. In my heart, I still want to play. But my body is no longer allowing me to.
Keeper had signed a contract with Glasgow in the EIHL for the upcoming season, but won't be going through with it.
While it's a disappointing end for the player, he says he's proud of helping to pave the way for Indigenous players (Keeper is the first player from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation) and says he's looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Hoping for all the best in Keeper's post-retirement life!
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