October 25, 2011
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MSU's Golembiewski Forced to Retire
CHN Staff Report
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State junior Zach Golembiewski has decided to retire after injuring his back over the summer. Doctors told him participating in a contact/collsion sport could be detrimental to his health.
“This was a tough decision. It was a struggle at first, because you put 12, 13 years into your passion, and all of a sudden, someone’s advising you that it’s best that you give up what you love,” Golembiewski said in a news release. “Playing at Michigan State was first a goal, then it became a dream come true. I am so blessed to have been able to wear the green and white jersey and be a part of this program.”
A St. Clair, Mich., native, Golembiewski, 20, played 56 games in his first two seasons with the Spartans, going 4-14—18 overall. His back did not respond to treatment he received after the injury. While pursuing more information and testing under the direction of team athletic trainers and physicians, Golembiewski received a diagnosis which revealed that the injury was not healing due to an underlying condition, and subsequent advice from specialists led to his decision.
“We are obviously disappointed in learning the news that Zach’s injury will prevent him from continuing his playing career at Michigan State, yet grateful that it has been identified so that he will not be exposed to any long-term health risks,” MSU coach Tom Anastos said. “ We are fully supportive of Zach’s decision to end his competitive hockey career. Zach will continue to be a member of our team in some capacity, which will be determined over the next several days.”