Efter sex år i klubben är det klart att Chris Abbott lämnar Luleå Hockey.
Efter de misslyckade förhandlingarna skriver lagkaptenen nu ett öppet brev till fansen och media.
– Här är några ord om min situation. Jag tänker inte svara på en massa frågor om de strandade förhandlingarna med Luleå Hockey. Jag skulle helt enkelt vilja tacka alla i Luleå för deras stöd och gästfrihet de senaste sex åren, säger Chris i ett mejl till NSD.
Här är hela brevet
To Our Friends and Fans of Lulea Hockey
It's with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Lulea. For the last six years Cam and I have had the pleasure of calling Lulea home.
The people of Lulea and Norbotten have welcomed us into their community, and made us feel like one of their own. Our years in Lulea have been immensely enjoyable; it has been a second home to us.
For those reasons, it has truly been an honour to wear the Lulea jersey. I can only hope that, in your eyes, we have adequately represented Lulea both on and off the ice.
Personally, I am deeply honoured to have captained the team of such a proud organization. It has been my single greatest experience as an athlete. And although we have had a lot of success during the last six
years, Cam and my only regret is that we could not help lead Lulea to the SM-Guld.
It is difficult to put into words how grateful we both are to the fans of Lulea Hockey. You have supported us fully from the first game, and stuck with us, and especially Cam, through some very difficult periods. I will miss playing hard for all of you.
I also understand the challenge every SHL team faces in building a roster year after year. During my time in Lulea, the team management have consistently found a way to put together very competitive teams.
So I know that changes often need to be made. From the start of the contract negotiating process, it has been apparent that the team management has wanted to go in a different direction. As I have said, it has been a challenging end to my time in Lulea, however as I now look forward to new challenges elsewhere, I wish Luleå Hockey all the best next season.
In the end, I leave with many great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. It has been a privilege to wear the Lulea jersey. We cannot thank you enough for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Chris Abbott