Tyson Barrie, 33, only spent one year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. But the offensive blueliner made an impression everywhere he went in his 14-year NHL career.
Initially drafted by the Colorado Avalanche 64th overall in 2009, Barrie also spent time with the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames organizations. On August 25th, it was announced that Barrie had retired from playing hockey. However, it wasn’t until the day after that he shared his own message about his “epic run.”
Tyson Barrie Reflects on His Long Playing Career
On the heels of announcing his retirement, Barrie shared a heartfelt (and funny) post on his Instagram page on August 26th.
“Well, for those who thought I retired two years ago, I don’t blame you, but I am officially hanging them up,” Barrie’s post began. “From wearing the green jacket in 2016 to leading the league in points and not recording a single Norris vote. It’s been an epic run! I’ve made friends for life and had more laughs per minute than maybe anyone in league history. Unfortunately, that’s a stat they don’t track.”
“Finished with over 100 goals, 500 points, and was minus a million. Couldn’t get a save…”
“I’m so grateful for the life I’ve lived because of a game I fell in love with as a kid,” Barrie’s post continued. “I’ve made memories and drank beers all over the world with my best friends – some I met at 5 years old, others in the last year. It’s an incredible game filled with incredible people, and I couldn’t be more proud to have been part of the hockey family the past 14 years.”
Tyson Barrie’s Heartfelt Thanks
Barrie continued his post by thanking everyone closest to him, including the fans.
“Thank you to my parents for every opportunity to chase my dream, pushing me when needed but never losing sight of what mattered most – being a good person,” Barrie wrote in the Instagram post. “Thanks to my sister for often taking a back seat and watching countless games in wild arenas. Thank you to all the organizations, coaches (even the ones who buried me ;) ), trainers, staff, agents, fans, and cities who supported me and laughed with me (and at me) along the way.”
“To my beautiful wife, Emma, and our two kids who’ve had my back unconditionally and moved our lives at the drop of a hat – thank you, I love you.”
Then, Barrie reflects on what’s behind him, and hints at what is to come.
“I’ve made some beautiful plays and plenty of brutal ones too – probably more of the latter – but it’s all part of the journey. ‘High risk, high reward’ always seemed to follow me, and it feels right to carry that into the next chapter. You can find me selling beer, dabbling in media, but most importantly being a present and loving father and husband.”
“I’m grateful to bring all those life lessons – and a hockey team’s worth of pals who’ve become family – on my next ride with Chilly Ones Beer, trying to put hockey, music, friendship, laughter, and love into one slim, crushable can. Excited to see what else life has in store. Cheers to the beautiful game of hockey & thank you for everything.”
Reaction to Tyson Barrie’s Post
Fans and former teammates alike commented on Barrie’s post.
Auston Matthews, who played with him on the Maple Leafs, wrote, “1 of 1! Congrats on a hell of a run beauts!”
His former Avalanche teammate, Calvin Pickard, wrote, “What a career Tys…so lucky to have played with you for years…we oozed chem(istry) off the ice…and not nearly enough on the ice…love you.”
Another former teammate, Tyler Ennis, shared the message, “Colorado Avalanche hang his jersey in the rafters.
Ex-Leafs Tyson Barrie Shares New Heartfelt Post on ‘Epic Run’