The news that a key player for the Kelowna Rockets has tendered his resignation is terrifying.

The news that a key player for the Kelowna Rockets has tendered his resignation is terrifying.

Josh Gorges, a hockey player from Kelowna, declared his retirement this week following 13 NHL seasons.

Gorges was a junior hockey player for the Kelowna Rockets. In 2002, he signed a free agent contract with the San Jose Sharks after going undrafted. He was a player for the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens as well. Throughout the 2018–19 campaign, he was a free agent.

The married father of two boys, ages four and three, says he intends to move back to his hometown in Okanagan.

Sarah Penton, host of Radio West, questioned him about what the next chapter in his life might hold.

To be honest, it feels strange for me to be wishing a 34-year-old happy retirement. Is it strange that someone is wishing you a happy retirement?

It’s quite peculiar. People ask me, “What are you going to do now?” quite frequently. And I’m at a loss for words. And the thought of being 34 and not knowing what I’m going to do for the rest of my life is kind of scary.

I’m going to take things slowly and see what happens because I have a lot of time to fill.

Former NHL player Josh Gorges spoke with CBC Radio One’s Radio West about his career, his future plans, and his work with junior hockey players. Sarah Penton, CBC
You are currently working with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. How is working with those young boys going?

It has been thrilling. I remember being that age, 17, 18, and 19. I considered myself a grownup. I believed I knew what I desired. And I had no knowledge. In reality, I knew nothing. And I naturally attracted toward many wonderful older folks that I met along the road. I believe that’s what I’m attempting to be for these young boys as I return.

Have the attitudes of aspiring hockey players evolved since you were a child?

Indeed, it has. With phones and social media, I believe the world has changed. Social media is a major factor in it. Many people compliment you on how wonderful you are, but you also hear many negative things about yourself.

What particular aspect about playing professional hockey will you miss the most?

I find it amazing to think that when I step onto the rink and look across at the likes of Connor McDavid, Alex Ovechkin, or Sidney Crosby, you are facing the greatest players in the world, and your job is to line up beside them and prevent them from doing what they want. That challenge was fantastic.

The sensation my body would have in the morning. These past few months, it’s been kind of lovely to wake up feeling normal again. Many days it was difficult to get out of bed in the morning, much less put on socks, knowing that you would be traveling to the rink to practice. You’re struggling even to walk, really.

In five years, how do you envision yourself using your time?

Hockey is all that I’ve ever known or done in my entire life. I went to high school, but I didn’t attend any classes. As a junior, you kind of slid past the requirements to graduate, so I figured it would definitely be something related to hockey.

Above everything, I want to see my children grow up and become hockey players. I don’t want to be gone and missing what they’re doing because I’m traveling. Even at their young age, I enjoy watching them skate around and have a good time on the ice, and I believe it’s my responsibility to support their development.