Petes Varga Retires from Hockey

Photo Credit – OHL/Petes Websites

The Peterborough Petes announced today that defenceman Steven Varga has decided to retire from hockey.

Varga called Petes GM Mike Oke to announce he wasn't returning this season. Varga was expected to be one of three overage players returning for the Petes. The other two players are Greg Betzold and Hunter Garlent.

The Peterborough Examiner spoke to Varga and he told them that “he didn't see a pro hockey career in his future so he thought it best to focus on the next stage of his life. It was a decision he wrestled with all summer.”

The Newmarket native played in four seasons for the Petes and recorded 41 points and 33 penalty minutes.

“After playing the game for a long time it's kind of taken a toll on me,” Varga said. “It's hard to get up every day and play that style of hockey. People don't realize how hard it is. I don't have that desire to pursue it professionally anymore. I thought if I”m not going to go into something 100%, it's probably better not to take away from the integrity of the team.”

Varga will take the year off and consider his options for the future. Due to the late decision, it was to close to the academic year to apply to school.“I started to look at some career options I hadn't thought of before but now strike an interest,” he said. “I'll map out a plan for the type of courses I'll need.” Varga said about his future.

Petes General Manager Mike Oke wasn’t prepared for his announcement. “It was quite a surprise,” Oke said. ”He's certainly taken a great deal of time and consideration in making his decision to move on. In speaking with him, it certainly wasn't an easy decision for him. I think it's something that has weighed on him fairly heavily.” Oke said to the Peterborough Examiner.

The Petes will be without Steve Varga this season, but this with him absent it does open the door for rookies to take his spot.

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