Cole Spicer is stepping away from hockey and won’t return to the University of Minnesota Duluth for his junior season.
The 2022 Boston Bruins draft pick revealed his decision to the Duluth News Tribune’s Matt Wellens, noting he needs some time to “figure a couple things out,” and won’t be playing hockey for the “foreseeable future.”
Drafted in the fourth round in the 2022 NHL Draft, Spicer began his collegiate career at Duluth. The center potted three goals and had as many assists in 32 games for the Bulldogs during his freshman year. He picked up the pace a bit in his sophomore year with five goals and four assists, but his season suddenly came to an end when Spicer was deemed “academically ineligible” to continue playing hockey.
Despite not being able to play, Spicer still practiced with the team and remained enrolled in his classes.
Spicer took part in the Bruins development camp earlier this summer and did not give any mention of taking a break from the sport. He admitted missing part of last season was tough, but that he was looking forward to his junior season.
“It’s tough to watch, but at the same time, I had to figure some stuff out and get my head back to where it needed to be,” Spicers said on July 3. “I’m feeling good now. So, I’m excited for the year.”
What’s next for Spicer is unknown. But there are a few options including entering the transfer portal, though he’d need to be academically eligible to the school he elected to transfer to. Wellens noted it’s not likely that will happen. He could also sign a contract with the Bruins and play for Providence or the Maine Mariners.
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