Wampum Native And Dallas Stars Defenseman Stephen Johns Announces Retirement From NHL

After six seasons in the NHL, Wampum native Stephen Johns is hanging up his skates.

The 29-year-old Stars defenseman announced his retirement on social media Sunday. Johns now plans to travel the country to help others struggling with their mental health.

Johns writes: Someone asked me the other day what I like to do for fun… and I didn’t give him an answer, because I didn’t have one. I’m writing this post because I’m tired of letting depression destroy my life. The realization that my career has come to an end has really [expletive] with my identity… What I’ll miss most about the game of hockey is providing inspiration. So, I’ve decided to rollerblade and road-trip across the country to hopefully help others facing their own battles. I’ll be documenting along the way, to share my full story, because I know what it feels like to be alone. For me, I watched one video and ti changed my life and made me want to do this crazy thing. If I can still inspire one person to climb out of their hole, then that’s a successful trip and exactly what I’m aiming for. Peace & Love.

The next chapter starts tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/omwxvb0upL

— Stephen Johns (@stjohns28) June 14, 2021

The 6’4″, 213 pound defenseman was selected 60th overall by the Blackhawks in the second round of the 2010 NHL draft. He was traded to Dallas in July 2015, where he logged 167 career games.

Stephen Johns made his NHL debut with the Stars on March 11, 2016 and on March 17 scored his first goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Johns is a Class of 2010 Lincoln High School graduate. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2014.

Ellwood City Police Department Officer’s Kennedy and Sipe were able to assist in sending off NHL Star Stephen Johns as he begins his official retirement from the NHL by rollerblading from Ellwood City, PA to California in an effort to promote Mental Health Awareness.

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