Bruins draft pick retires from hockey ‘for the foreseeable future’

Cole Spicer is stepping away from hockey and will not return to the University of Minnesota Duluth for his junior season.

The 2022 draft pick of the Boston Bruins revealed his decision to Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune, noting that he needs some time to “figure some things out” and that he won’t be playing hockey for the “foreseeable future.”

Spicer was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft and began his college career at Duluth. The center scored three goals and had as many assists in 32 games for the Bulldogs during his freshman year. He picked up the pace a bit in his sophomore year with five goals and four assists, but his season was cut short when Spicer was deemed “academically ineligible” to continue playing hockey.

Even though Spicer was unable to play, he still trained with the team and continued to take his lessons.

Spicer attended the Bruins development camp earlier this summer and made no mention of a break from the sport. He admitted that missing part of last season was tough, but that he was looking forward to his junior season.

“It’s tough to watch, but at the same time I had to figure some things out and get my head back in the right place,” Spicers said July 3. “I’m feeling good right now. So I’m looking forward to the year.”

What’s next for Spicer is unknown. But there are a few options, including entering the transfer portal, though he’ll have to be academically eligible for the school he wants to transfer to. Wellens noted that’s unlikely to happen. He could also sign with the Bruins and play for Providence or the Maine Mariners.