Burghardt's x-rays 'didn't look very good' says Battalion coach

The Battalion are gearing up for a new season, but they'll have to compete without one of the team's key players.

Luke Burghard has retired because of severe back problems.

Coach Stan Butler got a hint after last season ended.

"We knew earlier this summer when he attended the Las Vegas and wasn't cleared to go on the ice and after some tests, both Burghardt and his agent felt everything would be fine," he told CKAT.

But the shocking news was confirmed Thursday via social media.

"Yesterday, right out of the blue quite frankly, the first time I found out about it was on Instagram that he had seen another specialist and the doctor said it was not in his best interest to play hockey anymore. He's got problems with his spine. As of now, I don't think it would be wise for Luke to be playing hockey because it jeopardizes his long-term health and that is obviously a huge concern in this situation."

Butler says the x-ray "didn't look very good."

See: Battalion star retires

Burghardt had a breakout season last year on a line with Justin Brazeau and Matthew Struthers, finishing second on the team with 71 points in 68 games.

The Bowmanville native picked up 28 goals and often had fans leaping to their feet with his blazing speed and skillful stickhandling.

"In Luke's case, you can't fool around with this stuff. Nobody would want to play hockey more than Luke."

Meanwhile, training camp starts Monday 

"I'm excited about our returning players. We have a good group coming back," explained Butler.

The veteran coach expects a competitive camp.

"With Luke going down it's going to open up an overage spot and a forward spot."

Fifty players will be attending.

"I think we'll have a decent team given that we, again, do not have any NHL drafted players on our team."

Memorial Gardens hosts the 2018 Training Camp. All on-ice sessions are free to attend and open to the public. 

Monday, August 27
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.                        Green Team Practice – Memorial Gardens
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.              White Team Practice – Memorial Gardens
4:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.                  Intrasquad Game #1 – Memorial Gardens
 
Tuesday, August 28
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.                 Intrasquad Game #2 – Memorial Gardens
4:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.                   Intrasquad Game #3 – Memorial Gardens
 
Wednesday, August 29
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.                 Intrasquad Game #4 – Memorial Gardens