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The Sheriff · 04-14-2013, 10:22 PM

IRISH BRAWLER TO RETIRE FROM THE SHL

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DUBLIN, IRELAND - In a warm pub in the heart of Dublin, there was an odd feeling in the air. It was a long anticipated night for one patron of the bar, and one that many in the SHL were expecting.

At a table in the back corner of the bar, a press conference was set up and a longtime SHL veteran was sitting at the end of it. Eoghan O'Donnell, who was a Season Three draftee, and who had previously come out of retirement before was that man. A look of exhaustion appeared on his face, as well as the sense of disappointment. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. When he joined the NWJHL in Season Two, he had big expectations on his shoulders. He was better than he turned out to be.

After a few years of mediocrity, O'Donnell retired from the league, or so he thought. Only a few seasons after hanging up the skates, he was back taking over for his successor, Tobias Mortensen, who returned to Europe to play in the KHL.

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O'Donnell in his final SHL Game

While he never reached greatness, he finally won a cup with the Hamilton Steelhawks in Season Eleven. However, even with the win, he still felt a void in his life, and refused to show up to practice. Along with his laziness, his vices quickly returned. After every game, O'Donnell would make his way home and drink heavily. It got so bad, he was refused entry to the arena and was suspended by the team without pay.

"I just feel I need to get me head screwed on right. Me family in Ireland is here to help me. I don't think I could do it without them, they're everything to me." - O'Donnell in the offseason.

As he sat at the table, prepared to talk to the press, O'Donnell's eyes continued to swell, his dreams of becoming the next big thing were all but over.

"I want to thank ye all for joining me today. I want to bring a few things to light. First, I am officially retiring from hockey. It's been a long time coming, but it's something I know I have to do to be happy. Hockey was fueling my vices and not letting me escape from anything. Second, I am becoming a journalist, and will write about the SHL and NWJHL, mostly following my new client, Gabriel DuJardin. Thank you all for coming, may god have mercy on your souls."