Yesterday (August 23, 2018) some rather surprising news broke as the Cardiff Devils released a statement announcing Tom Parisi was leaving the club and retiring from hockey only a handful of days after signing for them.

Some of the comments that followed the announcement on social media were disappointing to say the least and there is likely more than meets the eye when it comes to this decision from the defenseman.

Tom Parisi was a late-comer to the professional game as an NCAA graduate from Providence College.
The Montreal Canadiens felt the New York native was worthy of an NHL Entry deal and signed him in 2016.

After playing just 45 games during his rookie year for Laval Rocket, Parisi was almost an ever present through the 2017-18 campaign and was a rare bright spot during a terrible season for Montreal’s affiliate (24-42-10) as they finished rock bottom of the AHL standings.

A healthy scratch toward the back-end of last season, which must have been a body blow for second year professional who must have known the writing was on the wall as regards his future with the Montreal organisation.

Despite being an excellent breeding ground for many young prospects, the American Hockey League can also be a grind with plenty of back-to-backs, travelling and three-in-three weekends that take their toll physically and mentally, especially when you’re a part of a losing team.

The pressure to succeed and earn a new contract is not something anyone from the outside looking in should take lightly, especially for the players who aren’t going to make it in the NHL.

A fresh start and opportunity in a new league and country must have appealed to Parisi, who was also due to be studying for an MBA at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Perhaps the realisation of being so far away from and falling out of love with the game he’s played in an organised league since the age of twelve, struck home for the 25 year old.
It takes guts to admit you made the wrong decision so early, knowing you’re letting down a lot of people who put time, effort and faith into acquiring you.
In many ways Parisi should be given credit for being brave enough to admit he would not do himself or the Devils justice if he played out his contract.

Mental illness is not something unique to the sport of hockey but a condition that has only really been taken seriously in the past few years following some heart wrenching articles from those who have suffered (https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/corey-hirsch-you-are-not-alone) and sadly some notable suicides.
Bearing that in mind, we should certainly be backing Parisi as we do not know what the young man is going through at this current time in making such a rapid U-turn for what’s a huge decision in his life moving forward.

A little understanding and wishing him the best for his future is probably prudent and the kind thing to do at this time. The Cardiff Devils certainly have no issue with him as Managing Director Todd Kelman tweeted last evening.

Official Cardiff Devils Statement:
http://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/tom-parisi-quits-devils-playing-game/