Chaz Lucius, a promising 21-year-old hockey player and first-round draft pick by the Winnipeg Jets, has announced his retirement from the sport. Lucius revealed his decision on Tuesday, citing a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a hereditary condition that affects the connective tissue in the body, making joints and organs less stable.
Lucius shared that he had been dealing with frequent joint injuries for several years, initially thinking he was just having bad luck. However, the diagnosis clarified that his body could not cope with the physical demands of playing hockey. Medical professionals advised him to stop playing to prevent further injuries.
The Jets expressed their full support for Lucius’s decision, acknowledging the challenges he faced due to his condition. EDS is known to weaken connective tissue, and while there is no cure, Lucius plans to advocate for others living with the syndrome.
Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Lucius had a brief but notable career. He played for Team USA at the 2023 World Junior Championships, where he helped secure a bronze medal by scoring a hat trick in a thrilling overtime victory against Sweden. He signed a professional contract with the Jets in 2022 after playing one season at the University of Minnesota, but he never appeared in an NHL regular-season game.
This season, Lucius contributed with three goals and six assists in 25 games for the Manitoba Moose, the Jets’ American Hockey League affiliate. Now, he looks forward to new opportunities and aims to raise awareness about EDS and its impact on athletes.