Goalie Carey Price reflects on banner NHL career cut short by injury: ‘I was blessed’
Carey Price’s expressionless face said it all. The Montreal Canadiens had just suffered a heartbreaking loss in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final, bringing their season to an end. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning were celebrating their second consecutive title just down the hall.
This moment took place on July 7, 2021, as Price, the star goaltender, reflected on his team’s challenging season and remarkable playoff run during a video conference call with reporters. Little did he know then that he would only play five more games in his professional career.
“To come so close and not win, it’s pretty heart-wrenching,” Price shared in a recent interview. “Results aside, the experience was something I’ll cherish forever.”
Dealing with a knee injury that had plagued him throughout the season, Price worked tirelessly to make a comeback after Montreal’s unexpected journey to the final. However, his return was short-lived, and he hasn’t stepped onto the ice since April 29, 2022. While there hasn’t been an official retirement announcement, Price has already transitioned to life after hockey.
“I always knew that my career would come to an end when either I wasn’t good enough or my body told me it was time,” Price reflected. “When your body tells you it’s time to move on, you better listen.”
Since stepping away from the game, Price has focused on family life, raising three children with his wife Angela. He has also been involved with Kraft Hockeyville, a program that supports Canadian communities in maintaining and upgrading sports and recreation facilities, including arenas.
Price’s illustrious career includes a record of 361 wins, 49 shutouts, a .917 save percentage, and a 2.51 goals-against average. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2005 draft and won the Hart Trophy for NHL MVP in 2014-15, along with multiple Vezina Trophy honors.
Despite his individual success, Price never achieved the ultimate team success in the playoffs. However, he remains grateful for his time as a Canadien.
“When you’re in it, you’re so focused on the goal that you don’t think about the end,” Price shared. “But looking back, I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be the goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens. It’s something I’m extremely proud of.”
As Price looks to the future, he is content to focus on being a father for now but hasn’t ruled out a return to hockey once his children are older.
“I’m pretty content being a dad for now,” Price said from his home in Kelowna, British Columbia. “But who knows, maybe I’ll make a comeback when my kids think I’m not cool anymore.”
With his mother, Lynda, serving as chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation, Price also has a deep connection to his Indigenous roots. While he follows politics, he admits that the competitive nature of the game may not be his calling.
As Price reflects on his career and looks ahead to the future, one thing is certain – his legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history is secure.
