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08:23 AM ET 10.12 | Brett MacLean, five years after being drafted by the Coyotes, seemed to be getting closer to the NHL for good. But instead of using the summer to map out his future on the ice, MacLean was confronted with a decision that most players don't make until they're in their 30s or 40s -- what to do once a career ends. At 23, MacLean is now retired after experiencing cardiac arrest during a pick-up game this summer in Ontario. "I had some successful years, and I was trying to build off that," he said by phone on Wednesday. "It just kind of took it all away from me, which was tough to take." On July 2, MacLean skated for the first time since the season ended in Owen Sound, Ontario. Forty minutes into the game, and after he made a pass on the wing, MacLean collapsed.

Brett MacLean, Icon Sports

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October 12, 2012 08:44 AM ET

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Sad.

dannylimes

Toronto, ON

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October 12, 2012 08:45 AM ET

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Not a great way to end the summer...

Golden Bay

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October 12, 2012 08:56 AM ET

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Definately not cool but a wise descision as well

Garbage Man

Harrisburg , PA

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October 12, 2012 08:58 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:44 AM ET 10.12 by dannylimes

Sad.

Heart breaking.

Baun-ded=PH in…

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October 12, 2012 09:10 AM ET

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maybe he can go play for The Sharks...(sorry, too early)

Spiny Norman

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October 12, 2012 10:33 AM ET

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It's better to be alive rather than be put on ice.

THE BISHOP!

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October 12, 2012 10:37 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:58 AM ET 10.12 by Baun-ded=PH in MOTION

Heart breaking.

I wish him the best but he grew up a Leafs fan so he should be used to it.

Canuck eh?

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October 12, 2012 11:17 AM ET

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Wow. That stinks

NY Rangers

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October 12, 2012 11:20 AM ET

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Red Wings fans will remember Ji???? Fischer who had a heart attack on the ice. better to retire now.

shiprock

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October 12, 2012 01:09 PM ET

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I guess this is the one time when you can say a player really doesn't have heart.
(Sorry too early).
He is lucky, 95% of people don't survive cardiac arrest.

DurkDiggler

Iron City, PA

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October 12, 2012 07:47 PM ET

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QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 01:09 PM ET 10.12 by DurkDiggler

I guess this is the one time when you can say a player really doesn't have heart. (Sorry too early).He is lucky, 95% of people don't survive cardiac arrest.

I probably wouldn't survive any arrest.