After missing 10 games due to an upper body injury, Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Reid Jackson announced on Tuesday that he will be out for the remainder of the season with a concussion.
“Reid has decided, as a result, from concussion and post concussion symptoms, that he is going to stop playing for the rest of the season,” stated Warriors General Manager Alan Millar. “It is a very difficult day for Reid and his family and certainty for the hockey club, as well.”
Jackson, a 19-year-old from Weyburn decided to call it a season on Tuesday afternoon after discussing the issue with his family.
“It was more of a family decision. It is not my first concussion and with me trying to get back, my symptoms haven’t gotten any better,” explained Jackson. “Obviously it has been a difficult decision for me and my family, but we’ve worked it all out with Alan and Mike Stothers. Both have been very helpful through all of is. I have a great support system with them and my family. It was a difficult decision, but the best decision for me.”
He has played 12 games with the Warriors this season after coming to Moose Jaw in a trade this offseason from Prince George. He spoke with the organization about his options and although he wanted to continue his Western Hockey League career with the Warriors, he realized his health was more important.
“I just need to go spend some time at home and get better. That is the main goal for me — just to be 100 per cent healthy some day and have a normal life,” Jackson said.
As much as Jackson will be attempting to get healthy in the upcoming months, he will also be trying to focus on his education as well.
“We have a great kid that we are very proud of and he remains a big part of our team, but has had the realization of a difficult decision about looking beyond this year and this hockey season. (He) is looking at his academics and WHL scholarship and getting healthy and that is the biggest priority here — Reid getting healthy,” explained Millar. “Reid wants to upgrade some high school courses during this process and he would like to look at a career in engineering.”
For more on this story, read an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
