BREAKING: Former Chicago Blackhawks Defensemen Officially Comes Out of Retirement

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Sam Walker
April 26, 2023 (10:53)

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Five years ago, Christian Ehrhoff announced his retirement from professional hockey, leaving behind a storied career in the NHL. But the veteran defenceman has decided that his time on the ice isn't over just yet. In an exciting turn of events, Ehrhoff has signed with the Krefeld Penguins in the German Second Division, DEL2.

This move is sure to thrill Krefeld fans, who are no strangers to Ehrhoff's talents. After all, the player spent parts of four seasons with the team from 1999 to 2003 before making the jump to North America. And now, he's back where it all began. He finished his last NHL season with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015-16.

There's no doubt that Ehrhoff's return will be a major boost for the Krefeld Penguins. With his wealth of experience and undeniable skill, he's sure to make a big impact on the ice. And for Ehrhoff himself, this is a chance to prove that retirement doesn't have to mean the end of a career. Instead, it can be a new beginning � and one that's sure to be watched closely by fans of hockey all around the world.

Ehrhoff released an official statement to the media in an official way, which can be seen below:

*NOTE* this text is translated from German..

"After careful consideration over the past few weeks, I have made the decision to return from retirement. After saying goodbye to Adrian Grygiel in the playoffs and the emotional games that I witnessed live here in the arena, my fire was reignited and I sought out a conversation with my family. After I received their "Go" I approached Peer Schopp and the sports management with my idea. We quickly agreed that despite all our convictions, we could only benefit from my comeback with hard work. I'm ready for that and I'm dying to be able to feel the unique Krefeld fans, the atmosphere of the Nord and the scenery in the hall on the ice again." Ehrhoff said.

Ehrhoff's last professional season was in 2017-18 with Cologne in the DEL, where he racked up an impressive 31 points in 52 games. Not long after, he helped Germany capture the silver medal at the Winter Olympics in South Korea before officially announcing his retirement.

Over the course of his 12-season NHL career, Ehrhoff played in 789 games and suited up for six different teams: San Jose, Vancouver, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and Chicago. His impressive career stats include 339 points, making him a formidable presence on the ice.

With Ehrhoff's return to professional hockey, fans can expect to see his exceptional skills on full display once again. It's clear that retirement has not dampened his love for the game or his drive to succeed, and his comeback is sure to be a thrilling new chapter in his already impressive career.

Source: Krefeld Penguins