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Is Kevan Miller OK? Boston Bruins defenseman announces retirement at 33

'It was not an easy decision to make but it's time to hang up my skates,' wrote Miller in a lengthy note explaining his retirement

Boston Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller announced his retirement on Wednesday, July 14 via his Instagram page. Miller decided to hang up his skates as he was physically not fit even if the "spirit for the game is there," he wrote in the lengthy note he shared with his followers who are now devastated with the news. Miller has turned off his Instagram comments; however, crushed fans have taken to Twitter to express their disappointment and grief over the end of Miller's career that has been marred by injury since 2019. 

"Kevan Miller epitomizes all that is right about hockey. Had to work extra hard 4 everything he earned. Legit “Warrior.” Put body on the line willingly every shift & bc of that had numerous major injuries. One of my fav @NHLBruins. He will succeed in whatever he chooses to do next," wrote hockey analyst Billy Jaffe on Twitter. "In a lot of ways, Kevan Miller was the perfect Bruin," read a tweet from New England Sports Network's official handle. "Kevan Miller reignited the Big Bad Bruins mentality in Boston. It’s too bad he was so injury-prone because the guy never said no to a fight or a challenge. Wishing him all the best in his retirement," a fan tweet read. 

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Is Kevan Miller OK?

In his retirement note, Kevan Miller stated, "Although my spirit for the game is there, my body, unfortunately, isn't." Miller's note said it was not easy to make the decision to hang up his skates, however, "my overall health and my family are now the priority." Miller had to miss the entire 2019-2020 season to recuperate from a twice-broken kneecap after he crashed into the boards on April 4, 2019, in Minnesota. He broke his knee again in May during training which led to him needing two more surgeries.

He returned to the game last season and played in 28 games but also ensured he was careful about his past injuries. In May 2021, he was knocked out of the first-round series between Bruins and Washington Capitals after being hit in the head. The Bruins had tweeted an update at the time which read: “UPDATE: Kevan Miller will not return. He was transported to the hospital for scans and further evaluation.” Miller was a well-decorated player and over seven NHL seasons he had recorded 71 points, 776 hits, and blocked 571 shots in 352 games. 

Kevan Miller's retirement note in full

"I fell in love with this game at 5 years old, I knew then that all I wanted to be was a hockey player. 28 years later, I have the same love and joy for the sport as I did then. Hockey has given me so much and I am grateful for every bit of it. The ups, the downs, the relationships forged, and the opportunity to make a living out of something I love so much, the list goes on and on. Although my spirit for the game is there, unfortunately, my body isn't. My overall health and my family are now the priority now. This was not an easy decision to make but it is time to hang up my skates. 

There are so many people that have had a profound impact on my career. There is no way I would have realized this dream of mine without all of the support. I want to start by thanking the Bruins organization, the Jacobs family, Cam Neely, Donsweeny, Peter Chiareeli. It's hard to put into words what it means to wear the spoke B, it was an honor to put that jersey on each night.

No one gets to where they are without help and that is certainly the case for me. I have been extremely fortunate to play for some great coaches and mentors that have molded and shaped me as a player and person. On top of that, I have had some people step up in a big way to train me on and off the ice, to rehab me after injuries, and pick me up when things weren't going my way. Thank you to each and every one of you. 

I called New England home for almost 18 years. My kids were born in Boston, it's where my wife and I started our family. From Berkshire to UVM to Providence to Boston, the relationships with so many that have been on this journey mean the world to me. People say it a lot, there is nothing like playing for a New England team, that statement couldn't be more true. As players it's hard to voice our appreciation for all of the support but here's my best shot. Thank You, we love you guys. 

I've had to opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world, its been an honor and something I will forever cherish. That aside I think I have taken for granted how lucky I am to come across a group of guys, from college to pro, that have been like brothers to me. I will miss the small things. The pregame rituals, the group chats, post-practice shenanigans, thank you to all my teammates - past and present. 

I will keep the family stuff personal but I wouldn't be here without you all, I love you guys.

Forever a Bruin."