Sports

Kelowna Rockets' forward Spencer Main has decided to step away from hockey while he deals with post-concussion symptoms.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Spencer Main (left) is stepping away from hockey

Main, 20, suffered a concussion early last season and sat out the Rockets final 60 games.

He was medically cleared this off-season to work out and return to the ice, however, symptoms returned after taking part in scrimmages during Rockets training camp last week.

"I did everything possible to make sure I was ready and prepared for the season, but nothing can get you ready for game contact and that's when my symptoms returned," says main.

"I have to put my health first and I need to be 100 per cent before I can think about coming back."

Main, who spent the last four seasons with the Rockets after being selected in the second round of the 2007 Bantam Draft, says he was excited about coming back for his fifth and final season.

"It's tough knowing that I can't play right now. It's difficult knowing that I am getting symptoms but at this point I have to put my health first," adds Main.

"I'd like to thank the Rockets organization and medical staff for their tremendous support during the past year."

Rockets President/GM, Bruce Hamilton, says Main's leadership and character will be missed, but says Main's health comes first.

"It's a big loss for our organization, but we're going to do what is in the best interest of Spencer Main," says Hamilton.

"The best thing for him now is to step away from the game and try to get healthy."

Main is the third member of the Rockets in recent years to walk away because of concussions.

Kyle St. Denis and Max Adolph were both forced to retire due to post-concussion symptoms.