SAGINAW, Michigan – Ethan MacKinnon put his brain first.

Battling concussion-related symptoms since his last game with the London Knights on Oct. 12, 2023, the defenceman made the decision to officially retire from hockey in early January at the age of 20.

“It was really tough,” MacKinnon said. “Weighing the pros and cons of what I could get out of trying to play the rest of the season. And you know, my brain and the rest of my life, that was more important. But it’s still tough to know that you’ve played your final game.”

He may not have played another game, but MacKinnon did get another iconic moment in a London jersey.

When London swept its way to the OHL championship, the team leadership group made sure MacKinnon was the first person to lift the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

And if things go well