Josh Harding is a goaltender you couldn’t help but root for. Unfortunately, it sounds like his ongoing complications with multiple sclerosis will force him to retire from the game of hockey at the age of 30.
Via the Star Tribune:
Josh Harding, 30, who missed all season with complications from multiple sclerosis after playing two games with Iowa, is expected to retire. His contract will expire June 30.
“I wouldn’t want to speak for him, but he has bigger issues than just hockey,” GM Chuck Fletcher said.
The news isn’t unexpected, but it is depressing and disappointing. Harding last appeared in the NHL back on December 31st, 2013. During the 2013-14 season, he was only able to suit up in 29 games. When he was able to man the crease, he played extremely well, posting a 18-7-3 record with a 1.65 GAA and a save percentage of .933 for the Wild.
Harding’s MS complications continually resurfaced and he was limited to just a couple AHL games in 2014-15. Meanwhile, the Wild found their answer in net through Devan Dubnyk and have Darcy Kuemper as backup. Harding may have had a tough time cracking the goaltending picture in Minnesota even if he was healthy, but it’s clear that other teams would have wanted his services had MS not shortened his career.
The staff here at PDL wishes Harding all the best in his future endeavors.
