13th year pro Dane Byers(34) calls it a career after two successful seasons with Manchester Storm of the EIHL.
The big power forward was captain in 2018/2019 and had a league high 182 penalty minutes to go along with 55 points in 56 games.
In the prior season he would grab a career best 46 assists and 70 points.
The 33-year old calls it a day having played 564 AHL games, 14 NHL (with a goal), 111 in the United Kingdom, 49 DEL and 47 Liiga, which ain’t so bad as he moves into the next phase of his life.
Dane Byers (38)
Hershey Bears‘ 9th year veteran Dane Byers(38) needs not worry where he’ll play next season as the team captain been invited back to continue his role in Chocolatetown.
Maybe a bit of a less than surprise move, as the 28-year old left wing signed his first minor league deal to join the much-storied AHL team last season.
The solid 6’3″ 203 lbs. forward has appeared in only 14 NHL games, 6 with New York Rangers (drafted 2nd round, 46th overall in 2004) and 8 with Columbus Blue Jackets.
He was able to pot one goal.
A proven leader on and off the ice, he plays a gutsy style that never shies away from delivering a crushing hit or fisticuffs if called upon to drop the gloves.
He had the most penalty minutes last season, 211 since his rookie campaign in 2006/2007.
No doubt what will be foremost on his mind will be returning the club to a postseason berth, which they missed for the first time in 8 straight years of appearances.