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Dryden’s Kevin Raine Announces His Retirement

Dryden, ON, Canada / CKDR
Mike Ebbeling
Dec 23, 2022 | 10:23 AM


Dryden's Kevin Raine Announces His Retirement

Kevin Raine, Belfast Giants (Image: William Cherry)

It’s an end to an amazing hockey career for Dryden’s Kevin Raine.

The popular Belfast Giants defenceman has announced he’s retiring from professional hockey for medical reasons.

The 29-year-old admits it’s been a roller-coaster few months but the most important thing for him right now is his long-term health.

“Given what the doctors have shared with me regarding my current injury status it’s time for me to take the next step and where that goes is an adventure in itself. So grateful for the time I’ve had in Belfast.”

He says the decision really hasn’t truly hit him yet stressing he will miss playing the game he loves.

Raine leaves behind a legendary career.

He recorded 73 points in 225 games for the Giants winning two league titles and three Challenge Cups and was known as a leader on and off the ice.

Raine started with the Kenora Thistles Under-18 team in 2008-2010 where he appeared in 84 games with 24 points (6-goals and 18-assists).

He also suited up in 3 games with the Dryden GM Ice Dogs before heading south.

Raine’s career took off when he was drafted by the London Knights and then sent to Sudbury where he captained the Wolves.

He spent a good chunk of his life professionally in the American Hockey League where he won a Calder Cup but also played one season in the ECHL with Florida.

Raine moved to Belfast in 2017 where he played 4 full seasons with the Giants, two as assistant captain.

He was also an assistant this year in two games played before suffering the injury.

Raine leaves the game as one of the most respected and well liked players both on and off the ice.

In a statement to Belfast media, Head Coach Adam Keefe says, “Rainer has done Giant things for this team, this organization, and the fans that follow us. On the ice, he knew what it took to win and was willing to do anything to help his team do so. He was the league’s best defenceman, that other teams feared playing against. Off the ice, he understood what it meant to be a Belfast Giant in the community. We’d like to thank Kevin, for five incredible seasons in Belfast. While we’re disappointed to see him go, this is the start of an exciting new chapter for him, and we wish him all the best for what lies ahead.”

Speaking to media Raine emotionally said, “I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside some of the best people I’ve ever met, in front of the best fans I’ve ever seen, in one of the most special places I’ve ever been. Belfast has a huge place in my heart. The time I’ve spent here makes up the most transformative years of my life. I thank the fans for their support and I’ll miss nothing more than everyone meeting me at the glass after a big home win.”