Veteran defenseman Brad Hunt revealed his retirement from professional hockey on Saturday, bringing to a close a 14‑year journey that spanned both the AHL and the NHL.
Hunt retires as a three‑time AHL All‑Star, having earned First Team honors in 2014‑15 and 2023‑24 and a Second Team nod in 2013‑14, while also capturing the league’s IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year award for his off‑ice contributions.
A career built on resilience and community impact
Across 422 AHL games for Chicago, Oklahoma City, Bakersfield, Colorado and Hershey, he amassed 84 goals, 214 assists and 298 points, and added six goals and 14 assists in 25 Calder Cup playoff contests.
His NHL résumé includes 288 appearances for seven different clubs, where he recorded 26 goals and 60 assists for a total of 86 points, a tally achieved after signing an entry‑level contract with the Edmonton Oilers in 2013.
Undrafted from Bemidji State University, Hunt’s pro debut came on a tryout with the Chicago Wolves at the tail end of the 2011‑12 season, a moment that set the stage for a career marked by perseverance and adaptability.
Beyond the scoresheet, Hunt’s community work in Colorado earned him the 2023‑24 IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award, underscoring a legacy that blends athletic achievement with civic engagement.
A new chapter off the ice
As he steps away from the rink, Hunt leaves behind a blueprint for future players who seek to make a difference both in the game and in the communities they call home.